Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Feel" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "feel", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
感じる
かんじる (kanjiru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
しゅんとする
しゅんとする (shun to suru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feel" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 感じる and しゅんとする.
In Japanese, 感じる (かんじる (kanjiru)) is typically associated with "to feel, to sense" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 感情や感覚、ある印象などを心や体でとらえること。他動詞。/ To perceive emotions, sensations, or impressions with one's mind or body. Transitive verb..
On the other hand, しゅんとする (しゅんとする (shun to suru)) maps to "to feel dejected, to look crestfallen, to droop" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An onomatopoeic expression describing a sudden feeling of sadness, disappointment, or dejection, often visible in one's posture, expression, or mood. It can also describe plants drooping.. A literal translation of "feel" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "感じる"
寒さを感じます。
I feel cold.
Bilingual Context for "しゅんとする"
先生に叱られて、子供はしゅんとしてしまった。
The child became crestfallen after being scolded by the teacher.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "寒さを感じます。" (Meaning: "I feel cold.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "感じる" fits here because it means "to feel, to sense" in the context of: "I feel cold.". "しゅんとする" represents "to feel dejected, to look crestfallen, to droop".