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
感銘
かんめい (kanmei)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "deep" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 感動 and 感銘.
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, 感銘 (かんめい (kanmei)) maps to "deep impression, strong impression" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used with 受ける. 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 "感銘"
彼のスピーチに深く感銘を受けた。
I was deeply impressed by his speech.
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.". "感銘" represents "deep impression, strong impression".