Translation guide
The English word "resonance" covers physical vibration, emotional connection, and figurative harmony. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean physical resonance, sympathetic vibration, emotional empathy, or a deep lasting impression.
When a sound or vibration causes another object to vibrate at the same frequency.
The standard term for physical resonance, such as in acoustics or physics. Also used metaphorically for emotional resonance.
音叉が共鳴している。
The tuning fork is resonating.
この部屋は共鳴が起きやすい。
This room is prone to resonance.
Specifically refers to mechanical or electrical resonance. More technical than 共鳴.
橋の共振を防ぐ設計が必要だ。
A design that prevents resonance in the bridge is necessary.
When an idea, story, or feeling deeply connects with someone.
The most common word for emotional resonance or empathy. It means sharing someone's feelings or finding something relatable.
彼の話に深く共感した。
I deeply resonated with his story.
この映画は多くの人の共感を呼んだ。
This movie resonated with many people.
Literally 'to echo in the heart.' Used when something emotionally moves you or leaves a strong impression.
彼女の言葉が心に響いた。
Her words resonated with me.
Can also be used for emotional resonance, but slightly more formal or literary than 共感.
When something leaves a strong, often beautiful or profound, after-effect.
Refers to the lingering resonance of a sound, or metaphorically the lasting impression of an experience. Often used in artistic contexts.
演奏の余韻に浸った。
I basked in the resonance of the performance.
その言葉の余韻がいつまでも残った。
The resonance of those words lingered for a long time.
Literally 'sound' or 'echo,' but often used for the emotional or aesthetic resonance of words, music, or atmosphere.
Technical term for resonance in scientific fields like chemistry (resonance structures) or physics (resonance particles).
Used in physics for resonance phenomena (e.g., magnetic resonance).
核磁気共鳴はMRIの原理だ。
Nuclear magnetic resonance is the principle behind MRI.
Specifically 'resonance structure' in chemistry.
ベンゼンは共鳴構造を持つ。
Benzene has resonance structures.
共感 is the everyday word for empathy and emotional connection. 共鳴 is more formal and often implies ideological agreement or a deeper, almost philosophical alignment. Use 共感 for personal feelings and 共鳴 for intellectual or artistic sympathy.
友達の悩みに共感した。
I empathized with my friend's troubles.
その哲学者の考えに共鳴した。
I resonated with that philosopher's ideas.
English uses 'resonance' broadly for anything that feels meaningful or connected. Japanese often uses more specific words like 共感 (empathy) or 余韻 (lingering effect). Direct translation as 共鳴 can sound overly technical or stiff in casual emotional contexts.
彼の思想に共鳴する若者が増えている。
More young people are resonating with his ideas.
この詩には独特の響きがある。
This poem has a unique resonance.