At the A1 level, focus on the basic idea of 'praising' something good. You might not use 'kanshin suru' yourself yet, but you might hear a teacher say it when you do your homework perfectly. It means 'I think you are doing a great job' or 'I am impressed by your effort.' Think of it as a step above just saying 'good job.' It focuses on the person's heart or effort.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'kanshin suru' to talk about your friends or younger siblings. Use the pattern '[Person] no [Action] ni kanshin shimashita.' For example, 'I was impressed by my friend's Japanese.' It shows you are paying attention to the good qualities of people around you. It's a very polite and positive word to use in your basic conversations.
At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of 'evaluation.' You are now choosing this word over 'kandou suru' (moved) because you are specifically impressed by someone's skill, logic, or behavior. You should also be careful not to use it toward people of much higher status. You can use it in letters or emails to peers to show respect for their work. It's a key word for social interaction in Japan.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with variations like the causative-passive 'kanshin saserareru' (to be made to feel impressed). You understand that this word is often used in social commentary or when discussing character traits. You can distinguish between 'kanshin' (admiration) and 'kanshin' (interest) easily in listening. You also know that using it slightly ironically is possible but requires careful tone.
At the C1 level, you use 'kanshin suru' to discuss complex human behaviors and societal contributions. You can use it in formal essays or debates to acknowledge the merits of an opposing argument or a specific policy. You are fully aware of the social hierarchy implications and know exactly when to switch to 'kanmei o ukeru' or 'keifuku suru' to maintain perfect 'keigo' (polite language) balance.
At the C2 level, 'kanshin suru' is just one tool in a massive vocabulary of admiration. You use it with native-level precision, perhaps using it to describe the subtle brilliance of a literary work or the strategic depth of a political move. You understand its historical roots and how it differs from similar-sounding words in classical Japanese. You can use it to give nuanced feedback that is both encouraging and professional.

感心する en 30 segundos

  • To be impressed by skill or character.
  • Often used by superiors to praise subordinates.
  • Requires the particle 'ni' for the target.
  • Avoid using it toward high-status individuals like bosses.

The Japanese verb 感心する (kanshin suru) is a sophisticated way to express that you are impressed by someone’s behavior, skill, or attitude. At its linguistic core, the word is composed of two kanji: 感 (kan), meaning 'emotion' or 'feeling', and 心 (shin), meaning 'heart' or 'mind'. Together, they represent a state where one's heart is moved by the excellence of another. Unlike simple praise, kanshin implies a level of intellectual recognition of merit. It is not just about being 'happy' for someone; it is about acknowledging that what they did was objectively praiseworthy or remarkable.

The Core Nuance
This verb is used when you observe an action or a quality that exceeds expectations. It often carries a sense of 'being struck' by the goodness of a situation. For example, if a young child shares their toys without being asked, an adult might say they are kanshin shita (were impressed).
Social Context
Crucially, kanshin suru often implies a slightly evaluative tone. Because of this, it is usually used by someone in a higher or equal position toward someone else. Using it toward a superior (like your boss or a teacher) can sometimes sound condescending, as if you are 'judging' their performance from above. In those cases, more humble or purely emotional terms like 感動する (kandou suru) or 感銘を受ける (kanmei o ukeru) are preferred.

彼の熱心な仕事ぶりに感心するばかりだ。
I am nothing but impressed by his enthusiastic way of working.

The word can also be used in a negative or sarcastic sense, though this is less common for learners. If someone does something incredibly foolish or stubborn, one might say 'Kanshin shinai na' (I'm not impressed/I don't approve). However, for B1 level learners, focusing on the positive sense of admiration and recognition is the most useful path. It bridges the gap between simple 'good' (ii) and deep 'emotional movement' (kandou).

Using 感心する correctly requires understanding its grammatical partnership with the particle に (ni). The person or thing that impresses you is marked with ni. For example, 'I was impressed by the movie' would be 'Eiga ni kanshin shita.' However, it is more common to be impressed by a specific aspect or action of a person rather than just the person themselves.

The 'Ni' Particle Connection
Target + に + 感心する. This is the standard formula. The 'target' is often a noun phrase ending in こと (koto) or の (no) when describing an action.

彼女の忍耐強さに感心しました
I was impressed by her perseverance.

When you want to say you are 'always' impressed or 'currently' impressed, you use the -te iru form: 感心している. This describes a continuous state of admiration. For instance, 'I am always impressed by how clean this city is' would use kanshin shite imasu.

彼の知識の豊富さには、いつも感心させられます
I am always made to feel impressed by the depth of his knowledge. (Causative-Passive)

Common Modifiers
Words like 深く (fukaku - deeply) or つくづく (tsukuzuku - thoroughly/really) often precede kanshin suru to add emphasis to the depth of your admiration.

You will encounter 感心する in various environments, but primarily where there is an element of observation and evaluation. In a professional setting, a manager might use it to describe a junior employee's initiative. In a social setting, it might be used to discuss a friend's dedication to a hobby or a stranger's act of kindness.

The Workplace
In Japanese office culture, feedback is often indirect. Instead of saying 'You did a great job,' a senior might say, 'Your preparation was so thorough, kanshin shimashita.' This signals that the senior has noted your effort and finds it admirable.

新入社員の挨拶がしっかりしていて、部長が感心していたよ。
The department manager was impressed because the new employee's greeting was so professional.

You will also hear this word frequently in documentaries or news reports when featuring someone who has overcome great odds or contributed to society. The narrator might describe the person's spirit as something to be kanshin about. It carries a weight of respect that goes beyond simple 'liking'.

Daily Conversations
Among friends, it’s used when someone shows a quality you admire, like being very organized or knowing a lot about a specific topic. 'Omae, honto ni ryouri umai na. Kanshin suru wa.' (Man, you're really good at cooking. I'm impressed.)

The most common and potentially embarrassing mistake is using 感心する toward someone of significantly higher status. Because the word contains an underlying sense of 'evaluating' or 'judging' the quality of an action, it can sound like you are looking down on the superior. If you tell your CEO 'I was impressed by your speech' using kanshin shimashita, it might sound like you are a teacher grading their work.

❌ 先生の教え方に感心しました
Incorrect: I was impressed by the teacher's way of teaching. (Sounds arrogant)

The 'Kanshin' Confusion
Another frequent error is confusing 感心 (Kanshin - Admiration) with 関心 (Kanshin - Interest). They are homophones (pronounced the same) but have completely different meanings. Kanshin ga aru means 'to have an interest in something,' while kanshin suru means 'to be impressed by something.'

Lastly, don't confuse it with 感謝 (Kansha - Gratitude). While you might feel both, kanshin is about admiration of skill/character, while kansha is about being thankful for a benefit received. You can be kanshin about a stranger's talent without feeling kansha toward them.

To truly master 感心する, you must see how it sits alongside other 'feeling' words in Japanese. The choice of word often depends on the 'depth' of the feeling and the 'direction' of the social relationship.

感動する (Kandou suru)
This means 'to be moved' or 'to be touched'. It is more emotional and less analytical than kanshin suru. You kandou at a beautiful movie or a tragic story. You kanshin at someone's efficient work process.
感銘を受ける (Kanmei o ukeru)
A more formal and 'heavy' version of being impressed. It literally means 'to have an impression engraved on one's heart'. This is the safe version to use with superiors or in formal writing when you are deeply moved by a speech or a philosophy.
見直す (Minaosu)
This means 'to see someone in a new light' or 'to think better of someone'. If someone you thought was lazy suddenly works hard, you minaosu them, which leads to kanshin suru.

彼の勇気には敬服します
I admire/greatly respect his courage. (Keifuku is very formal and high-respect)

If you are just looking for a casual way to say 'Wow, that's great,' you might use sugoi or subarashii. But when you want to specifically highlight that someone's character or logic impressed you, kanshin suru is your best choice.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The kanji for 'heart' (心) was originally a pictograph of a physical heart. When combined with 'feel' (感), it literally paints a picture of the heart reacting to something outside itself.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /kæn.ʃɪn suː.ruː/
US /kɑn.ʃɪn su.ru/
Pitch accent is often flat (Heiban), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after an initial rise.
Rima con
Anshin (Relief) Zanshin (Novelty) Kanshin (Interest - homophone) Shinshin (Mind and body) Tanshin (Alone) Jinshin (Human heart) Honshin (True feelings) Konshin (Soul-searching)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'kan' like 'can' (tin can) - it should be 'kahn'.
  • Pronouncing 'shin' like 'sin' - it must have the 'sh' sound.
  • Over-emphasizing the final 'u' in 'suru' - it's often whispered or silent.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The kanji are common but the nuance is specific.

Escritura 4/5

Requires understanding of the 'ni' particle and 'suru' verb conjugation.

Expresión oral 5/5

Difficult because of the social hierarchy restrictions (don't use to superiors).

Escucha 3/5

Must distinguish from 'kanshin' (interest).

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

感動する (Kandou suru) 心 (Kokoro) 褒める (Homeru) 上手 (Jouzu) 努力 (Doryoku)

Aprende después

感銘を受ける (Kanmei o ukeru) 敬服する (Keifuku suru) 称賛 (Shousan) 評価 (Hyouka) 謙譲語 (Kenjougo)

Avanzado

感に堪えない (Kan ni taenai) 嘆賞 (Tanshou) 驚嘆 (Kyoutan) 感服 (Kanpuku) 舌を巻く (Shita o maku)

Gramática que debes saber

~に感心する

彼の勇気【に】感心した。

Causative-Passive (~させられる)

彼の才能には感心【させられる】。

~てばかりいる vs ~ばかりだ

感心する【ばかりだ】 (I am only/purely impressed).

Adverbial use of ~く

【深く】感心しました。

Noun + na (感心な)

【感心な】行いですね。

Ejemplos por nivel

1

先生は私の宿題に感心しました。

The teacher was impressed by my homework.

Subject + wa + Noun + ni + kanshin shimashita.

2

彼の優しさに感心する。

I am impressed by his kindness.

Noun + ni + kanshin suru (dictionary form).

3

子供の絵に感心しました。

I was impressed by the child's drawing.

Standard past tense polite form.

4

上手な日本語に感心します。

I am impressed by the good Japanese.

Adjective + Noun + ni + kanshin suru.

5

皆、彼の勇気に感心した。

Everyone was impressed by his courage.

Minna (everyone) as the subject.

6

お母さんは弟の手伝いに感心しました。

Mother was impressed by younger brother's help.

Family members as subjects.

7

その速さに感心した。

I was impressed by that speed.

Noun phrase 'sono hayasa' (that speed).

8

犬の賢さに感心する。

I am impressed by the dog's intelligence.

Animal's quality as the object of admiration.

1

田中さんの仕事の速さに感心しました。

I was impressed by the speed of Mr. Tanaka's work.

Possessive 'no' used to link person and quality.

2

毎日ジョギングするなんて、感心ですね。

Jogging every day... that's impressive, isn't it?

Kanshin desu ne (It is impressive) used as a comment.

3

彼の片付け方に感心した。

I was impressed by the way he tidied up.

-kata (way of doing) + ni + kanshin shita.

4

留学生の熱心さに感心しました。

I was impressed by the international student's enthusiasm.

Focusing on an abstract quality (enthusiasm).

5

弟の成績に感心しました。

I was impressed by my younger brother's grades.

Using past tense for a specific event.

6

あなたの考え方に感心する。

I am impressed by your way of thinking.

'Kangaekata' (way of thinking) is a common target.

7

料理の腕前に感心しました。

I was impressed by the cooking skill.

'Udemae' (skill/ability) is a common collocation.

8

彼女の記憶力に感心する。

I am impressed by her memory.

Abstract noun 'kiokuryoku' (memory power).

1

彼の冷静な判断には感心した。

I was impressed by his calm judgment.

'Ni wa' adds emphasis to the target of admiration.

2

ボランティア活動を続ける彼らに感心しています。

I am impressed by them for continuing their volunteer work.

-te iru form shows a continuous feeling.

3

若くして起業した彼の行動力に感心した。

I was impressed by the initiative of him who started a business at a young age.

Descriptive clause modifying 'kare' (him).

4

その計画の細かさに感心せざるを得ない。

I cannot help but be impressed by the detail of that plan.

-zaru o enai (cannot help but...) is a B1/B2 level grammar point.

5

彼の正直な態度に、誰もが感心した。

Everyone was impressed by his honest attitude.

'Daremo ga' (everyone) emphasizing universal admiration.

6

難しい問題を解決した彼の手際に感心した。

I was impressed by his skill in solving the difficult problem.

'Tegiwa' refers to the efficiency or skill of a performance.

7

どんな時も笑顔を絶やさない彼女に感心する。

I am impressed by her, who never stops smiling no matter what.

Relative clause describing the person.

8

子供たちの独創的なアイデアに感心しました。

I was impressed by the children's creative ideas.

'Dokusouteki' (creative/original) is a good B1 adjective.

1

彼の徹底した調査ぶりには感心させられた。

I was made to feel impressed by his thorough investigation.

Causative-passive 'kanshin saserareta' is more formal.

2

逆境に負けない彼の精神力に深く感心した。

I was deeply impressed by his mental strength not to give in to adversity.

'Fukaku' (deeply) used as an adverb.

3

その映画の映像美には、ただただ感心するばかりだ。

I am simply impressed by the visual beauty of that movie.

'Tada tada... bakari da' emphasizes that admiration is the only feeling.

4

新人の物怖じしない態度に、周囲は感心していた。

Those around were impressed by the newcomer's fearless attitude.

'Monooji shinai' (fearless/unfazed) is a B2 level expression.

5

彼の語学に対する情熱には、つくづく感心する。

I am truly impressed by his passion for language learning.

'Tsukuzuku' means deeply or thoroughly.

6

彼女の無駄のない動きに感心して見入ってしまった。

I was so impressed by her efficient movements that I found myself staring.

-te shimatta indicates an involuntary action.

7

どんな批判にも耳を傾ける彼の度量に感心した。

I was impressed by his magnanimity in listening to any criticism.

'Doryou' (magnanimity/capacity) is a high-level noun.

8

相手の立場に立った配慮に、深く感心させられました。

I was deeply impressed by the consideration shown from the other's perspective.

'Aite no tachiba ni tatta' (standing in the other's shoes).

1

彼の理論の整合性には感心せざるを得ない。

One cannot help but admire the consistency of his theory.

Formal 'sezaru o enai' structure.

2

古希を過ぎてもなお、向学心を忘れない姿勢に感心する。

I admire his attitude of never forgetting the desire to learn, even after passing seventy.

'Koki' (70th birthday) and 'kougakushin' (desire to learn).

3

その建築物の機能美と造形美の融合に感心した。

I was impressed by the fusion of functional and formal beauty in that building.

Technical vocabulary like 'yuugou' (fusion).

4

緻密に計算された演出に、プロの凄みを感じて感心した。

I was impressed by the meticulously calculated direction, feeling the power of a professional.

'Chimitsu' (meticulous) and 'sugomi' (overwhelming power/intensity).

5

私欲を捨てて公に尽くす彼の高潔な人格に感心した。

I was impressed by his noble character, devoting himself to the public while casting aside self-interest.

'Shiyoku' (self-interest) and 'kouketsu' (noble/high-minded).

6

伝統を守りつつ、常に革新を求める職人の魂に感心する。

I admire the soul of the craftsman who constantly seeks innovation while preserving tradition.

'Kakushin' (innovation) and 'shokunin' (craftsman).

7

多角的な視点から問題を分析する彼の洞察力に感心した。

I was impressed by his insight in analyzing problems from multiple perspectives.

'Takakuteki' (multi-faceted) and 'dousatsuryoku' (insight).

8

一寸の狂いもないその手仕事の精巧さに感心した。

I was impressed by the exquisite precision of that handiwork, without a hair's breadth of error.

'Issun no kurui mo nai' (idiom for perfect precision).

1

万物流転の理を説く彼の深遠な哲学に感心せざるを得ない。

One cannot help but be impressed by his profound philosophy explaining the principle of all things in flux.

'Banbutsu ruten' (all things flow) is a classical concept.

2

古今東西の知見を渉猟し、独自の境地に達した彼に感心する。

I admire him for having reached a unique level of understanding by exploring knowledge from all times and places.

'Shoryou' (wide reading/exploring) is a very literary term.

3

冷徹な分析と温かな人間愛が同居する彼の論考に感心した。

I was impressed by his treatise, where cold, objective analysis and warm human love coexist.

'Reitetsu' (cold/objective) and 'ronkou' (treatise).

4

一見、無造作に見えて、実は計算し尽くされたその筆致に感心する。

I admire his brushwork, which at first glance seems casual but is actually calculated to the last detail.

'Muzousa' (casual/unaffected) and 'hitchi' (brushstroke/style).

5

世俗の欲に惑わされることなく、己の道を貫くその孤高の精神に感心した。

I was impressed by that aloof spirit, following his own path without being misled by worldly desires.

'Sezoku' (worldly) and 'kokou' (aloof/noble solitude).

6

言語の壁を超えて人々の心を揺さぶる、その表現力の豊かさに感心する。

I admire the richness of that expressive power that shakes people's hearts beyond the barriers of language.

'Hyougenryoku' (expressive power).

7

歴史の荒波を乗り越えてきたその遺構の、荘厳な佇まいに感心した。

I was impressed by the majestic appearance of those ruins that have survived the turbulent waves of history.

'Ikou' (remains/ruins) and 'shougon' (majestic/solemn).

8

微細な変化を捉え、大局を見失わない彼の卓越した大局観に感心する。

I admire his outstanding sense of the big picture, capturing minute changes without losing sight of the overall situation.

'Taikyokukan' (sense of the big picture).

Colocaciones comunes

出来栄えに感心する
手際の良さに感心する
忍耐強さに感心する
勇気に感心する
心がけに感心する
知識の豊富さに感心する
徹底ぶりに感心する
正直さに感心する
熱心さに感心する
冷静さに感心する

Frases Comunes

感心な子

— An admirable child. Used when a child does something mature or good.

お手伝いをするなんて、感心な子ですね。

感心しない

— Not impressive; undesirable. Used to show disapproval of behavior.

その態度はあまり感心しないな。

ただただ感心する

— To be simply and purely impressed with no other words.

彼の技術には、ただただ感心するばかりだ。

感心させられる

— To be made to feel impressed (often by something overwhelming).

彼の若さには感心させられる。

深く感心する

— To be deeply or strongly impressed.

彼の決断に深く感心した。

つくづく感心する

— To be thoroughly or truly impressed upon reflection.

彼の忍耐力にはつくづく感心する。

感心の至り

— The height of admiration. Very formal.

先生の御高見、感心の至りに存じます。

感心を買う

— To win someone's admiration (often through effort).

彼は上司の感心を買った。

感心半分、驚き半分

— Half impressed, half surprised.

彼の無謀な挑戦には、感心半分、驚き半分だ。

感心して眺める

— To gaze at something in admiration.

美しい庭を感心して眺めた。

Modismos y expresiones

"舌を巻く"

— To be so amazed or impressed that one is almost speechless.

彼女のバイオリンの演奏には、プロも舌を巻いた。

Literary/Formal
"目を見張る"

— To open one's eyes wide in surprise or admiration at something spectacular.

その景色の美しさに目を見張った。

Neutral
"感に堪えない"

— To be overcome with emotion or admiration.

彼の献身的な姿に、感に堪えないものがあった。

Very Formal
"膝を打つ"

— To slap one's knee in sudden realization or admiration of a good idea.

彼の名案に、思わず膝を打った。

Idiomatic
"一目置く"

— To recognize someone's superiority and give them credit/respect.

誰もが彼の才能に一目置いている。

Neutral
"兜を脱ぐ"

— To admit defeat or acknowledge someone else's superior skill (taking off the helmet).

彼の語学力には、私も兜を脱ぐよ。

Idiomatic
"溜息をつく"

— To sigh in admiration (as well as grief).

あまりの美しさに、感心の溜息をついた。

Neutral
"心を奪われる"

— To have one's heart stolen; to be fascinated or deeply impressed.

その絵の繊細さに心を奪われた。

Literary
"度肝を抜く"

— To be astounded or floored by something incredibly impressive or surprising.

彼の新記録は、世界中のファンの度肝を抜いた。

Colloquial
"胸を打つ"

— To strike one's heart; to be deeply moved or impressed by a sincere act.

少年の正直な言葉が、聴衆の胸を打った。

Neutral

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

感心 (Kanshin) - Admiration/Impression

Verbos

感心する (Kanshin suru) - To be impressed

Adjetivos

感心な (Kanshin-na) - Admirable/Praiseworthy

Relacionado

感動 (Kandou) - Emotion
感想 (Kansou) - Impression/Opinion
感謝 (Kansha) - Gratitude
感銘 (Kanmei) - Deep impression
感化 (Kanka) - Influence

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

'KAN' sounds like 'Con' (as in 'Connoisseur'). A connoisseur has a 'SHIN' (heart) that knows when to be impressed.

Asociación visual

Imagine a heart (SHIN) glowing or vibrating (KAN) when it sees something amazing, like a student getting a perfect score.

Word Web

Admiration Praise Impressed Skill Character Respect Observation Evaluation

Desafío

Try to find one thing a friend does well today and say to yourself: '[Friend's name] no [Skill] ni kanshin suru.'

Origen de la palabra

Derived from Middle Chinese roots. 'Kan' (感) traces back to the concept of moving or being affected by external stimuli. 'Shin' (心) represents the heart-organ, which in East Asian philosophy is the seat of both emotion and intellect.

Significado original: Originally meant to be moved in one's heart by external virtue or excellence.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexto cultural

Avoid using toward superiors or elders to prevent sounding arrogant or evaluative.

In English, 'I'm impressed' is safe to say to a boss. In Japanese, this specific word 'kanshin' is not. This is a major cultural 'tripwire' for learners.

Often used in 'shonen' manga when a rival acknowledges the protagonist's growth. Commonly used by judges in Japanese cooking shows like 'Iron Chef'. Found in Natsume Soseki's literature to describe moral admiration.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Education

  • 先生に感心された (Was impressed by the teacher)
  • 感心な生徒 (Admirable student)
  • 努力に感心する (Impressed by effort)
  • 成績に感心する (Impressed by grades)

Workplace

  • 手際に感心する (Impressed by efficiency)
  • 熱心さに感心する (Impressed by enthusiasm)
  • 新人の態度に感心する (Impressed by rookie's attitude)
  • 仕事ぶりに感心する (Impressed by way of working)

Friendship

  • 物知りに感心する (Impressed by knowledge)
  • 器用さに感心する (Impressed by dexterity)
  • マメさに感心する (Impressed by attentiveness)
  • 趣味に感心する (Impressed by a hobby)

Family

  • 子供の成長に感心する (Impressed by child's growth)
  • 手伝いに感心する (Impressed by help)
  • 正直さに感心する (Impressed by honesty)
  • 優しさに感心する (Impressed by kindness)

General Observation

  • 技術に感心する (Impressed by technology)
  • 美しさに感心する (Impressed by beauty)
  • マナーに感心する (Impressed by manners)
  • 勇気に感心する (Impressed by courage)

Inicios de conversación

"最近、誰かの行動に感心したことはありますか? (Have you been impressed by someone's actions lately?)"

"日本人のマナーで感心するポイントは何ですか? (What points of Japanese manners are you impressed by?)"

"子供のころ、親に感心された思い出はありますか? (Do you have memories of being praised/admired by your parents as a child?)"

"最近のテクノロジーの進歩には感心しますよね? (You're impressed by recent technological progress, aren't you?)"

"友達の意外な才能に感心したことは? (Have you ever been impressed by a friend's unexpected talent?)"

Temas para diario

今日、自分が感心した出来事を詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about something that impressed you today.)

「感心する」と「感動する」の違いについて、自分の経験を元に考えてみましょう。 (Think about the difference between 'kanshin' and 'kandou' based on your experiences.)

あなたが尊敬し、感心している人物は誰ですか?その理由も。 (Who is someone you respect and admire? Write the reasons why.)

自分が他人から「感心だ」と言われた時、どう感じますか? (How do you feel when others tell you that you are 'admirable'?)

社会の中で、もっとみんなが感心すべきことは何だと思いますか? (What do you think are things in society that everyone should admire more?)

¿Te ha servido?
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!