Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Feeling" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "feeling", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
気持ち
きもち (kimochi)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
倦怠感
けんたいかん (kentaikan)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feeling" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 気持ち and 倦怠感.
In Japanese, 気持ち (きもち (kimochi)) is typically associated with "feeling; sensation; mood" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to one's internal state or emotion, or a physical sensation. Can be positive or negative. Often used in phrases like 気持ちがいい.
On the other hand, 倦怠感 (けんたいかん (kentaikan)) maps to "feeling of weariness, languor, ennui, listlessness" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used in medical or psychological contexts to describe a general sense of fatigue or lack of motivation, not just physical tiredness.. A literal translation of "feeling" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "気持ち"
彼の気持ちがよく分かります。
I understand his feelings very well.
Bilingual Context for "倦怠感"
最近、全身に倦怠感があり、何もする気が起きない。
Lately, I've had a general feeling of weariness and don't feel like doing anything.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の ＿＿＿ がよく分かります。" (Meaning: "I understand his feelings very well.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "気持ち" fits here because it means "feeling; sensation; mood" in the context of: "I understand his feelings very well.". "倦怠感" represents "feeling of weariness, languor, ennui, listlessness".