Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Admiration" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "admiration", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
感心
かんしん (kanshin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
感嘆
かんたん (kantan)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "admiration" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 感心 and 感嘆.
In Japanese, 感心 (かんしん (kanshin)) is typically associated with "admiration, being impressed; to be impressed/admire" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when you are impressed or admire someone's actions, efforts, skills, or attitude. It can be a noun.
On the other hand, 感嘆 (かんたん (kantan)) maps to "admiration; wonder; exclamation of praise; deeply impressed sigh" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to admiration, wonder, or letting out a deeply impressed sigh/exclamation of praise toward someone's skill, kindness, or beauty. Often used as 感嘆の声をあげる. A literal translation of "admiration" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "感心"
彼女の努力にはいつも感心させられる。
I'm always impressed by her efforts.
Bilingual Context for "感嘆"
彼女のあまりにも美しく伸びやかな歌声に、聴衆からは期せずして_______の声が漏れました。
At her incredibly beautiful and stretching singing voice, a sigh of admiration leaked unexpectedly from the audience.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女の努力にはいつも ＿＿＿ させられる。" (Meaning: "I'm always impressed by her efforts.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "感心" fits here because it means "admiration, being impressed; to be impressed/admire" in the context of: "I'm always impressed by her efforts.". "感嘆" represents "admiration; wonder; exclamation of praise; deeply impressed sigh".