Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Feel" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "feel", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
気がする
きがする (ki ga suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
がっくり
がっくり (gakkuri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feel" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 気がする and がっくり.
In Japanese, 気がする (きがする (ki ga suru)) is typically associated with "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..."..
On the other hand, がっくり (がっくり (gakkuri)) maps to "feel dejected; lose heart; slump; collapse" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 期待外れやショックで、がっかりと気落ちする様子や、体が一気に崩れ落ちる様子を表す。/ Expresses a sudden feeling of disappointment, shock, or despair, often accompanied by a physical slump or drop. Can also describe a sudden collapse.. A literal translation of "feel" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "がっくり"
試験に落ちて、彼はがっくりと肩を落とした。
He failed the exam and slumped his shoulders in disappointment.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "雨が降るような気がします。" (Meaning: "I have a feeling it's going to rain.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "気がする" fits here because it means "to feel; to have a hunch; to have a premonition" in the context of: "I have a feeling it's going to rain.". "がっくり" represents "feel dejected; lose heart; slump; collapse".