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
気がする
きがする (ki ga suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feel" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 感じる and 気がする.
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, 気がする (きがする (ki ga suru)) maps to "to feel; to have a hunch; to have a premonition" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to express a feeling or intuition about something, often without concrete evidence. Can be translated as "I feel like...", "I have a feeling that...", or "I have a hunch...".. 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 "気がする"
雨が降るような気がします。
I have a feeling it's going to rain.
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.". "気がする" represents "to feel; to have a hunch; to have a premonition".