Translation guide
The English word "sensation" covers physical feelings, emotional excitement, and notable people or events. Japanese uses different words for each meaning.
A feeling or perception detected by the body or senses.
General term for physical sensation or sense perception. Used for both external stimuli and internal bodily feelings.
指先の感覚がなくなった。
I lost sensation in my fingertips.
冷たい感覚が足を包んだ。
A cold sensation enveloped my feet.
Tactile sensation or feel of something, often used for texture or touch.
この布の感触が好きだ。
I like the sensation of this fabric.
Perception or sensory awareness, more formal and often used in medical or psychological contexts.
患者は痛みの知覚を訴えた。
The patient complained of a sensation of pain.
A widespread feeling of excitement, interest, or shock among people.
Loanword from English, used for a big stir or sensation in media, entertainment, or public events.
彼の新曲は世界中でセンセーションを巻き起こした。
His new song caused a sensation around the world.
Literally 'big response/reaction', used when something generates a huge public reaction or buzz.
その発表は大反響を呼んだ。
The announcement caused a sensation.
Idiom meaning 'to steal the spotlight/topic', often used when something becomes the talk of the town.
彼女のドレスがパーティーの話題をさらった。
Her dress was the sensation of the party.
Uproar or commotion, can be used for a sensation that causes a stir, but often implies noise or disorder.
A person or thing that attracts great attention and admiration.
Literally 'person of topic', used for someone who is currently the talk of the town or a trending figure.
彼は今、町の話題の人だ。
He's the sensation of the town right now.
Literally 'person of the time', used for someone who is currently famous or in the spotlight.
彼女は一躍時の人になった。
She became an overnight sensation.
Direct translation of 'sensational figure', but sounds a bit stiff. Used in media contexts.
彼は音楽界のセンセーショナルな存在だ。
He is a sensation in the music world.
感覚 (kankaku) only refers to physical sensations. For a public stir or excitement, use センセーション or 大反響.
そのニュースは大きなセンセーションを巻き起こした。
The news caused a huge sensation.
感覚 is a broader term for any physical sensation, including internal feelings like dizziness. 感触 specifically refers to the tactile feel of touching something, like texture.
目を閉じると、バランスの感覚がおかしくなる。
When I close my eyes, my sense of balance feels off.
このソファの感触は最高だ。
The sensation of this sofa is amazing.
It became a bit of a sensation.