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.
The tuning fork is resonating.
This room is prone to resonance.
Specifically refers to mechanical or electrical resonance. More technical than 共鳴.
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.
I deeply resonated with his story.
Literally 'to echo in the heart.' Used when something emotionally moves you or leaves a strong impression.
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.
I basked in the resonance of the performance.
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).
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.
I empathized with my friend's troubles.
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.
This movie resonated with many people.
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.