Translation and Meaning of: 感じる - kanjiru

If you are learning Japanese, you may have come across the word 感じる (かんじる). It is an essential verb in the language's vocabulary, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and why it is so important for expressing perceptions and emotions. Additionally, we will see tips for memorizing it and understanding its cultural context.

The meaning and translation of 感じる is "to feel."

In its most basic form, 感じる means "to feel" or "to perceive." However, its use spans from physical sensations to emotional and intuitive impressions. For example, while in Portuguese we say "I feel cold" or "I feel joy," in Japanese, 感じる can be used in both contexts without major distinctions.

An interesting particularity is that 感じる can also convey the idea of "having an impression about something." If someone says 優しい感じがする (yasashii kanji ga suru), they are expressing that they have the feeling that a person is kind, even without knowing them deeply. This flexibility makes the word very versatile in everyday life.

The origin and the kanji of 感じる

The word 感じる is composed of the kanji 感 (kan), which means "feeling" or "emotion," and じる (jiru), a form of the verb する (suru), which indicates action. Together, they form a verb that literally suggests "to act through feeling." This construction well reflects how the Japanese language connects abstract concepts and concrete actions.

It is worth noting that 感じる is one of the most common verbs in Japanese, frequently appearing in conversations, texts, and even in songs and animes. Its constant presence in the language makes it a fundamental word for anyone who wants to communicate naturally.

How to use 感じる in daily life

In daily life, Japanese people use 感じる to describe everything from physical experiences, such as 寒さを感じる (samusa o kanjiru - feeling cold), to emotional reactions, like 幸せを感じる (shiawase o kanjiru - feeling happiness). This broad usage makes it an indispensable word in any conversation.

Additionally, 感じる appears in more subjective expressions, such as when someone wants to say that something "seems" a certain way. For example, 変な感じがする (hen na kanji ga suru) indicates that something seems strange, even if there is no immediate logical explanation. This type of construction is very useful in informal situations.

Tips for memorizing 感じる

An effective way to memorize 感じる is to associate it with situations where you really "feel" something. For example, when trying a new dish, try to think 美味しいと感じる (oishii to kanjiru - I feel that it is delicious). The more you relate the word to real experiences, the more natural its use will become.

Another tip is to pay attention to how 感じる appears in dialogues from doramas or animes. Many times, the context helps to understand nuances that dictionaries do not fully explain. Writing down phrases with this word can also be a great way to practice.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 感じる

• 感じる - basic form
• 感じます - Formal / Polite
• 感じた - Past short form
• 感じています - Present Continuous
• 感じさせる - causative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 感じる (kanjiru) - To feel, to perceive emotions or sensations.
• 感じ取る (kanjitoru) - To perceive or understand something more deeply, to grasp feelings.
• 感ずる (kanzuru) - Feeling in a more abstract way, often related to subtle emotions.
• 感じさせる (kanjisaseru) - Causing or making someone feel something, provoking a sensation in another person.
• 感じ入る (kanjiiru) - To feel deeply, to have a strong understanding or appreciation of something.