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
悪びれる
わるびれる (warubireru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feel" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 感じる and 悪びれる.
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, 悪びれる (わるびれる (warubireru)) maps to "to feel ashamed, to be timid, to be abashed" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in the negative form. 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 "悪びれる"
彼は自分が間違っていると分かっていても、全く悪びれる様子がなかった。
He showed no sign of shame, even though he knew he was wrong.
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.". "悪びれる" represents "to feel ashamed, to be timid, to be abashed".