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
感じ
かんじ (kanji)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feeling" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 気持ち and 感じ.
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, 感じ (かんじ (kanji)) maps to "feeling, impression, sense" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents As a noun, it refers to a feeling or impression. Can also be the noun form of the verb 感じる. 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 "感じ"
この歌はいい感じですね。
This song has a nice feeling, doesn't it?
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.". "感じ" represents "feeling, impression, sense".