Translation guide
To have the intended effect, especially emotionally or logically; to hit the mark or resonate deeply.
When a remark, story, or truth hits someone emotionally and they feel it deeply.
Literally 'resonate in the heart'. Used when something moves you emotionally or makes a deep impression.
彼の言葉が心に響いた。
His words struck home.
Literally 'stab in the chest'. Used when a remark hits you hard, often painfully or poignantly.
When an argument, point, or evidence is clearly understood and accepted as true.
When a fact or situation finally becomes clear and you understand its importance.
Literally 'understand by soaking into the body'. Used when you learn something through experience.
失敗して初めて身にしみてわかった。
It struck home only after I failed.
Do not translate 'strike home' literally as 家を打つ (ie o utsu). It makes no sense in Japanese.
その批判が胸に刺さった。
That criticism really struck home.
Literally 'soak into the body'. Used when you feel something deeply, often a lesson or truth.
親のありがたみが身に染みた。
The gratitude for my parents really struck home.
Literally 'fall into the gut'. Means to make sense intuitively, to click in your mind.
彼の説明でやっと腑に落ちた。
His explanation finally struck home.
Literally 'hit the target'. Used when a comment or criticism is exactly right.
彼の指摘は的を射ている。
His point strikes home.
Literally 'point at the bullseye'. Used when someone guesses exactly right, often about a secret or hidden truth.
彼の言葉は図星を指していた。
His words struck home.
To feel keenly, to realize something painfully. Often used with necessity or importance.
準備の大切さを痛感した。
The importance of preparation struck home.