Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Deep" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "deep", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
感動
かんどう (kandou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
感激
かんげき (kangeki)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "deep" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 感動 and 感激.
In Japanese, 感動 (かんどう (kandou)) is typically associated with "deep emotion, impression, being moved" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used with する.
On the other hand, 感激 (かんげき (kangeki)) maps to "deep emotion; deep impression; inspiration" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to being deeply moved, touched, or inspired by someone's kindness, achievement, or words. Can be used with する as a verb. A literal translation of "deep" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "感動"
彼のスピーチにとても感動しました。
I was deeply moved by his speech.
Bilingual Context for "感激"
ファンからの温かい応援メッセージを読んで、彼女は胸がいっぱいになり_______しました。
Reading the warm support messages from fans, her heart became full and she was deeply moved.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼のスピーチにとても ＿＿＿ しました。" (Meaning: "I was deeply moved by his speech.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "感動" fits here because it means "deep emotion, impression, being moved" in the context of: "I was deeply moved by his speech.". "感激" represents "deep emotion; deep impression; inspiration".