感激 is the feeling of being deeply touched and moved with gratitude or joy.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A deep feeling of emotional excitement and appreciation.
- Often used when receiving kindness or witnessing something wonderful.
- It implies a stronger emotional reaction than simple happiness.
使用パターン
基本的に「感激する（動詞）」という形で使われることが多いです。「〜に感激する」という形で、何に対して心を動かされたかを明示します。名詞としては「感激のあまり」「感激の言葉」といった表現で用いられます。
類語比較
「感動」は心が動かされること全般を指しますが、「感激」はそこに「感謝」や「興奮」といった、より強い個人的な喜びのニュアンスが含まれます。「感銘」は、深く心に刻まれるような尊敬や教訓的な意味合いが強く、より硬い表現です。
Examples
プレゼントをいただいて、感激しました。
everydayI was deeply touched by the gift.
温かいお言葉に感激いたしました。
formalI was moved by your kind words.
あの映画、マジで感激した！
informalThat movie was so touching!
その演説は聴衆を感激させた。
academicThe speech moved the audience.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
感激の涙を流す
To shed tears of joy
感激でいっぱいだ
To be filled with emotion
感激の面持ち
A look of deep emotion
Often Confused With
感銘 is more formal and implies being deeply impressed, often by someone's wisdom or a grand achievement, rather than just joy.
感動 is broader and can be used for both positive and negative emotional impacts, whereas 感激 is purely positive.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '感激' when you want to emphasize a strong, positive emotional reaction. It is slightly more formal than '嬉しい' but less formal than '感銘'. It is very common in letters and formal thank-you notes.
Common Mistakes
Do not use '感激' for sad events. Learners often confuse it with '感動' and might use it when describing a sad movie, which sounds unnatural. Always ensure the context is positive.
Tips
Use with gratitude
Combine '感激' with '感謝' (gratitude) when someone does something kind for you. It emphasizes that you are not just happy, but deeply touched by their action.
Avoid negative contexts
Unlike '感動', which can be used for sad or tragic stories, '感激' is strictly for positive, heart-warming, or exciting situations.
Expressing sincerity
In Japanese culture, showing '感激' is a great way to build rapport. It shows the other person that their effort or kindness was truly noticed and valued.
Word Origin
Derived from the kanji 感 (feeling) and 撃 (strike/attack). It literally describes an emotion that strikes the heart with force.
Cultural Context
In Japan, expressing '感激' is highly valued as it shows deep appreciation for the effort others put into an action. It is a key element of social politeness.
Memory Tip
Think of '感激' as 'feeling (感) the hit/strike (撃) of emotion'. It's when an emotion hits you so hard it leaves a mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「感動」は心が動かされること全般を指し、悲しい場面でも使えます。一方、「感激」は喜びや感謝を伴うポジティブな感情に限定されることが多いです。
プレゼントをもらった時や、助けてもらった時に「感激しました」と言うと感謝の気持ちが伝わります。また、素晴らしい景色やパフォーマンスを見た時にも使えます。
使えますが、より丁寧にするなら「感激いたしました」や「大変感銘を受けました」と言うと、よりフォーマルな響きになります。
「感激のあまり言葉も出ない」という表現がよく使われます。これは感動が強すぎて、何と言えばいいか分からない状態を指します。
Test Yourself
サプライズのお祝いに、私はとても___しました。
サプライズは嬉しい出来事なので、ポジティブな感情を表す「感激」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
感激 is the feeling of being deeply touched and moved with gratitude or joy.
- A deep feeling of emotional excitement and appreciation.
- Often used when receiving kindness or witnessing something wonderful.
- It implies a stronger emotional reaction than simple happiness.
Use with gratitude
Combine '感激' with '感謝' (gratitude) when someone does something kind for you. It emphasizes that you are not just happy, but deeply touched by their action.
Avoid negative contexts
Unlike '感動', which can be used for sad or tragic stories, '感激' is strictly for positive, heart-warming, or exciting situations.
Expressing sincerity
In Japanese culture, showing '感激' is a great way to build rapport. It shows the other person that their effort or kindness was truly noticed and valued.
Examples
4 of 4プレゼントをいただいて、感激しました。
I was deeply touched by the gift.
温かいお言葉に感激いたしました。
I was moved by your kind words.
あの映画、マジで感激した！
That movie was so touching!
その演説は聴衆を感激させた。
The speech moved the audience.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
