When you hear good news, watch a moving movie, or someone does something really kind for you, how do you feel? You might feel really touched, impressed, or deeply moved. In Japanese, to express this strong feeling of being deeply moved or impressed, we use the verb 感激する (kangeki suru). It's used when something truly touches your heart or makes a big impression on you. You can use it to describe how you feel when you experience something wonderful.
When you 感激する (kangeki suru), you're not just a little happy; you're profoundly touched or moved by something. Think of it as a much stronger emotion than simply being glad or pleased. It's often used when an action, a performance, or a gesture deeply impresses you and stirs your emotions. You might feel a lump in your throat or even shed a tear because of how strongly you feel. It implies a sense of gratitude and admiration for what has evoked such a powerful feeling.
You're learning Japanese, and that's great! Today, let's talk about the verb 感激する (kangeki suru), which means 'to be deeply moved, impressed, or touched.' It's a fantastic word to express strong positive emotions when something really gets to you. We'll break down how to use it in sentences, covering the grammar and common patterns.
§ Basic Sentence Structure with 感激する
感激する is a verb, and it works like other suru-verbs (verbs ending in する). This means you can use it in its dictionary form, or conjugate it to suit the tense and politeness level you need.
The most common way to use 感激する is with the particle に (ni) to indicate the source of your emotion. Think of it as 'moved by something' or 'impressed by someone's actions.'
§ Expressing What Moved You (Particle に)
When you want to say what specifically moved you, use 〜に感激する. The '〜' here is the thing or event that caused your strong emotion.
彼のスピーチに感激しました。
- Translation Hint
- I was deeply moved by his speech.
彼女の親切な行為に感激しました。
- Translation Hint
- I was touched by her kind act.
§ Using 感激する with Nouns (感激の〜)
You can also turn 感激 (the noun form of the verb) into an adjective-like phrase by combining it with の (no) to describe something as a 'moving' or 'impressive' event.
それは感激の瞬間でした。
- Translation Hint
- It was a moving moment. / It was a moment of deep emotion.
彼のスピーチは感激の内容だった。
- Translation Hint
- His speech had moving content.
§ Conjugating 感激する
Since 感激する is a regular suru-verb, its conjugations are straightforward. Here are a few common forms:
- Dictionary form: 感激する (kangeki suru) - to be deeply moved
- Masu form (polite present/future): 感激します (kangeki shimasu)
- Masu form (polite past): 感激しました (kangeki shimashita)
- Te form: 感激して (kangeki shite) - used to connect clauses or for requests
- Negative form: 感激しない (kangeki shinai) - not deeply moved
- Polite negative form: 感激しません (kangeki shimasen)
彼女の歌声に、みんなが感激して泣いた。
- Translation Hint
- Everyone was moved by her singing voice and cried.
§ Stronger Expression: 大いに感激する (ōini kangeki suru)
To emphasize just how deeply moved you are, you can add adverbs like 大いに (ōini), meaning 'greatly' or 'very much.'
その映画を見て、私は大いに感激しました。
- Translation Hint
- I was greatly moved by that movie.
§ Common Situations for 感激する
You'll often hear or use 感激する in situations where:
- Someone performs a selfless act.
- You witness a beautiful performance (music, art, theater).
- You receive unexpected kindness or support.
- You achieve something difficult or see someone else achieve it.
Mastering 感激する will allow you to express a rich range of positive emotions in Japanese. Keep practicing, and you'll be using it naturally in no time!
§ Don't confuse it with 嬉しい (ureshii) or 楽しい (tanoshii)
While all these words express positive feelings, their nuances are different. 嬉しい (ureshii) means 'happy' in a general sense, like when something good happens. 楽しい (tanoshii) means 'fun' or 'enjoyable.' 感激する (kangeki suru) is much stronger and deeper. It implies a profound emotional response, often to something beautiful, moving, or inspiring. Think of it as being truly 'touched' or 'deeply moved' rather than just 'happy' or 'having fun.'
§ Using it for trivial things
Because 感激する (kangeki suru) carries such a strong emotional weight, using it for everyday, minor positive events can sound unnatural or even overly dramatic. You wouldn't typically say you were 感激する (kangeki suru) just because your coffee was good or you found a parking spot. Save it for moments that genuinely evoke a deep emotional response.
Incorrect: 今朝のコーヒーが美味しくて感激しました。(I was deeply moved because this morning's coffee was delicious.)
Correct: 今朝のコーヒーが美味しくて嬉しかったです。(I was happy because this morning's coffee was delicious.)
§ Forgetting the 'suru' (する) part
感激 (kangeki) is a noun meaning 'deep emotion' or 'inspiration.' To make it a verb, you need to add する (suru). So, it's 感激する (kangeki suru) to mean 'to be deeply moved.' Just saying 感激 (kangeki) on its own usually functions as a noun.
- DEFINITION
- 感激 (kangeki): Noun. Deep emotion, impression, inspiration.
- DEFINITION
- 感激する (kangeki suru): Verb. To be deeply moved, impressed, touched.
彼はその映画に感激しました。(He was deeply moved by that movie.)
§ Using it to describe someone else's feelings too casually
While you can say someone else was 感激する (kangeki suru), it often sounds more natural to use phrases that express your observation of their deep emotion, rather than a direct statement, unless you are very close or it's obvious. For example, instead of saying 'He was deeply moved' (彼が感激しました), you might say 'It seemed like he was deeply moved' (彼が感激しているようでした) or 'He seemed very impressed' (彼はとても感動しているようでした - using 感動する, another similar verb for 'to be moved').
Fun Fact
Many Japanese words related to emotions are formed by combining kanji to create nuanced meanings, much like how prefixes and suffixes work in English.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 'u' at the end of 'suru' (it's often unvoiced, like a silent 'oo')
- Not emphasizing the second syllable 'ge'
Difficulty Rating
Kanji for 'kan' (感) and 'geki' (激) are common, but 'kangeki' as a compound might be new for B1 learners.
Requires correct kanji and hiragana for 'suru'.
Pronunciation is straightforward.
Clear pronunciation makes it easy to distinguish.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
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Examples by Level
プレゼントをもらって感激しました。
I was deeply moved when I received the present.
彼のスピーチに感激した。
I was impressed by his speech.
美しい景色を見て感激する。
I am touched by the beautiful scenery.
友達の優しさに感激した。
I was deeply moved by my friend's kindness.
家族からの手紙を読んで感激しました。
I was touched after reading the letter from my family.
子どもの成長に感激する。
I am impressed by my child's growth.
サプライズパーティーに感激した。
I was deeply moved by the surprise party.
皆さんの応援に感激しました。
I was touched by everyone's support.
プレゼントありがとう。感激しました。
Thank you for the present. I was very touched.
彼のスピーチにみんなが感激した。
Everyone was moved by his speech.
美しい景色に感激する。
To be deeply impressed by the beautiful scenery.
友達からの手紙に感激した。
I was touched by the letter from my friend.
彼女の歌声はいつも私を感激させる。
Her singing voice always moves me deeply.
この映画はとても感激するストーリーだ。
This movie has a very moving story.
彼の親切に感激しました。
I was impressed by his kindness.
サプライズパーティーに感激した。
I was deeply touched by the surprise party.
彼女の素晴らしい歌声に感激しました。
I was deeply moved by her wonderful singing voice.
サプライズパーティーを開いてくれて、本当に感激しました。
I was truly touched that you threw a surprise party for me.
子供たちが一生懸命練習している姿を見て、感激しました。
I was impressed to see the children practicing so hard.
遠くから応援に来てくれて、とても感激しました。
I was very touched that you came all the way to support me.
彼の親切な行動に、心から感激しました。
I was deeply impressed by his kind actions.
長年の夢が叶い、感激で胸がいっぱいになりました。
My long-held dream came true, and my heart was filled with emotion.
困難を乗り越えて成功した彼の姿に、多くの人が感激した。
Many people were impressed by his appearance, having overcome difficulties and succeeded.
こんなにも素晴らしい景色を見ることができて、感激しています。
I am deeply moved to be able to see such a wonderful view.
彼女の誠実な態度に、私は深く感激しました。
Her sincere attitude deeply moved me.
長年の夢が叶い、感激のあまり言葉も出ませんでした。
My long-cherished dream came true, and I was so touched I couldn't speak.
彼の劇的な復活劇には、多くの観客が感激したことでしょう。
Many spectators must have been deeply impressed by his dramatic comeback.
予期せぬプレゼントに、彼女は感激の涙を流した。
She shed tears of emotion at the unexpected present.
卒業生の送辞に、先生たちは皆感激していた。
All the teachers were moved by the farewell speech from the graduating students.
被災地でのボランティア活動を通して、人の優しさに感激する日々でした。
Through volunteer activities in the disaster-stricken area, every day I was moved by people's kindness.
友人の温かい励ましに感激し、再び挑戦する勇気が湧いた。
I was touched by my friend's warm encouragement, and found the courage to try again.
この美しい景色を見ていると、自然の雄大さに感激せずにはいられない。
Looking at this beautiful scenery, I can't help but be impressed by the grandeur of nature.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Tips
Basic Meaning of 感激する
「感激する」 (kangeki suru) is a verb meaning to be deeply moved, impressed, or touched by something. It's often used when you experience a strong positive emotion due to someone's kindness, a performance, or an event.
Using with particle に
You often use 「感激する」 with the particle 「に」 (ni) to indicate what you were moved by. For example, 「彼の優しさに感激しました」 (Kare no yasashisa ni kangeki shimashita) means "I was moved by his kindness."
Common Situations for 感激する
This word is perfect for expressing your feelings after seeing a great movie, a beautiful concert, or when someone does something incredibly thoughtful for you. It's about a strong, positive emotional impact.
Don't confuse with 嬉しい
While 「嬉しい」 (ureshii) means happy, 「感激する」 is a much deeper and more intense emotion. You might be happy to get a gift, but you'd be deeply moved (感激する) if someone made a huge sacrifice for you.
Formal and Informal Use
「感激する」 can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Just adjust the ending (e.g., 「感激しました」 for polite past, 「感激した」 for casual past) according to the situation.
Noun form: 感激
The noun form is 「感激」 (kangeki), which means deep emotion or impression. You can say 「大きな感激を受けました」 (Ōkina kangeki o ukemashita) meaning "I received a great impression" or "I was greatly moved."
Similar but Different: 感動する
「感動する」 (kandō suru) is very similar and also means to be moved. The difference is subtle: 「感激する」 often implies a more personal and direct emotional response, while 「感動する」 can be broader, often used for works of art or grand spectacles.
Example: Performance
「彼の歌声に感激しました。」 (Kare no utagoe ni kangeki shimashita.) - "I was deeply moved by his singing voice." (Hint: The singing voice touched me deeply.)
Example: Kindness
「皆さんの温かいおもてなしに感激しました。」 (Minasan no atatakai omotenashi ni kangeki shimashita.) - "I was touched by everyone's warm hospitality." (Hint: Their warm welcome made a strong impression.)
Example: Overcome with emotion
「まさか優勝できるとは！感激で言葉も出ません。」 (Masaka yūshō dekiru to wa! Kangeki de kotoba mo demasen.) - "I can't believe we won! I'm so overcome with emotion, I can't speak." (Hint: The deep emotion makes it hard to talk.)
Word Origin
From '感' (kan - feeling, emotion) and '激' (geki - intense, fierce).
Original meaning: The combination suggests an intense feeling or emotion.
Sino-Japanese (kango)Cultural Context
Japanese culture often values the ability to appreciate and be moved by beauty, art, and the efforts of others. Expressing that you are '感激する' can be a sincere way to show gratitude or admiration, especially in situations like receiving a thoughtful gift or witnessing a moving performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGood question! While both 感激する and 感動する mean 'to be moved,' there's a subtle but important difference.
感激する (kangeki suru) tends to be used for a more intense, often immediate and personal feeling of being deeply moved or touched, usually by something specific someone did, or a particular situation.
感動する (kandō suru) is broader. It can refer to being moved by something grander, like a piece of art, music, nature, or a powerful story. It's often a more profound, lingering emotional impact.
No, not really. 感激する is specifically about being deeply moved or touched, often to the point of tears or profound appreciation. It's not a general term for 'happy' or 'pleased.' For example, you wouldn't use it for just 'I'm happy to see you.' You'd use 嬉しい (ureshī) for that.
Yes, it is fairly common. You'll hear it when people express strong appreciation or emotion, especially in situations where they are genuinely touched by someone's kindness, performance, or a particular event. It conveys a strong emotional response.
You'd use 感激する in situations where you feel a deep sense of gratitude, awe, or profound emotional impact. For example:
- When someone does something exceptionally kind for you.
- After seeing a truly moving performance.
- When receiving an unexpected and heartfelt gift.
- Witnessing a touching moment between people.
Yes, generally 感激する almost always implies a positive feeling. It's about being moved in a way that evokes appreciation, wonder, or deep sentiment. While being deeply moved can sometimes bring tears, those tears are usually from joy, gratitude, or overwhelming positive emotion, not sadness or distress.
Yes, for 感激する, the 'suru' part is essential. Many Japanese nouns can become verbs by adding 'suru' (する). 'Kangeki' (感激) is the noun meaning 'deep emotion/impression,' and adding 'suru' makes it 'to be deeply moved.' The 'suru' conjugates like a regular verb: します (shimasu), しました (shimashita), しません (shimasen), etc.
While 感激する generally leans positive, you *could* potentially use it for a sad story if the sadness itself was deeply moving and evoked a sense of profound appreciation for the story's impact or message. However, for just 'sad,' you'd use 悲しい (kanashii) or 悲しむ (kanashimu). If the sadness is so profound it's almost beautiful or deeply impactful, then perhaps.
Yes, a very common one is 感激しました！ (Kangeki shimashita!) which means 'I was deeply moved!' or 'I was so touched!' It's a polite and strong way to express your feelings. You might also hear 感激のあまり... (kangeki no amari...) meaning 'overcome with emotion, I...'.
You'll typically use the particle に (ni) to indicate the source or cause of your being moved. For example: '彼の優しさに感激しました' (Kare no yasashisa ni kangeki shimashita) - 'I was deeply moved by his kindness.'
感激する is a relatively formal or at least emotionally significant word. It's not overly stiff, but it conveys a strong, genuine emotion. You'd use it in situations where you want to express sincere appreciation or deep feelings. For more casual positive feelings, simpler words like 嬉しい (ureshī - happy/glad) or 良かった (yokatta - that was good) are more common.
Test Yourself 54 questions
Someone says something is delicious.
Someone is asking for directions to the station.
A common morning greeting.
Read this aloud:
こんにちは
Focus: ko-n-ni-chi-wa
You said:
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Read this aloud:
ありがとう
Focus: a-ri-ga-to-u
You said:
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Read this aloud:
さようなら
Focus: sa-yo-u-na-ra
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'I was deeply moved by the movie.' The particles 'は' (wa) marks the topic, and 'に' (ni) indicates the cause or object of emotion. '感激した' is the past tense of '感激する'.
This sentence means 'She was very impressed by the song.' 'は' (wa) marks the topic, 'に' (ni) marks the object of emotion, and 'とても' (totemo) means 'very.'
This sentence means 'We were touched by his story.' '私たち' (watashitachi) means 'we'. '彼の' (kare no) indicates possession, meaning 'his'. '話' (hanashi) means 'story'. 'に' (ni) marks the object of emotion.
Choose the best word to complete the sentence: 映画を見て、とても____。
The context of watching a movie and being moved fits '感激した' best.
Which situation would most likely cause someone to feel '感激する'?
'感激する' implies a positive, deep emotional response, which fits receiving a thoughtful gift.
He was deeply impressed by her performance. (彼は彼女のパフォーマンスに深く____した。)
'感激' means deeply impressed or moved, which matches the English sentence.
If you are '感激する', it means you are feeling angry.
'感激する' means to be deeply moved or impressed, not angry.
You can use '感激する' to describe being touched by a kind action.
'感激する' is appropriate for describing being touched by a kind action.
Watching a sad movie can make you '感激する'.
While '感激する' often has a positive connotation, it can also be used for being deeply moved by a sad event, like in a movie.
This sentence means 'I was very moved after watching the movie.' The natural order in Japanese is 'Movie watching, very, was moved.'
This sentence means 'I was touched by her kind words.' The particle 'に' indicates the cause of being moved.
This sentence means 'I'm touched by everyone's support.' The 'よ' at the end adds a sense of personal feeling or emphasis.
This sentence means 'I was very moved by watching the movie.' The natural order in Japanese is 'Movie watching, very, moved.'
This sentence means 'Many people were deeply touched by her singing voice.' The structure is 'Her singing voice by, many people, were touched.'
This sentence means 'I was deeply impressed by his words.' The word order is 'His words by, deeply, impressed.'
The audience was deeply moved by her speech.
This beautiful scenery makes me feel deeply touched.
I was deeply moved by my friend's kindness and couldn't stop crying.
Read this aloud:
彼のひたむきな努力に多くの人が感激するでしょう。
Focus: ひたむき (hitamuki)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
その劇のクライマックスは、観客全員を感激させました。
Focus: クライマックス (kuraimakkusu)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
プレゼントを開けた瞬間、彼女は感激で言葉を失いました。
Focus: 言葉を失いました (kotoba o ushimashita)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
彼女の感動的なスピーチに、聴衆は深く___。
文脈から、スピーチが感動的であったため、聴衆が深く心を動かされた（感激した）と考えるのが自然です。
長年の努力が報われ、ついに夢が叶った時、彼は言葉にできないほど___。
夢が叶い、努力が報われた状況で最も適切な感情は、深く心を動かされる（感激する）ことです。
友人が遠方からサプライズで会いに来てくれて、私は本当に___。
サプライズ訪問に対して、ポジティブな感情である「感激した」が最も適切です。
その美しい夕焼けを眺めながら、私は自然の壮大さに深く___。
美しい夕焼けと自然の壮大さという文脈から、深く感動する（感激する）のが自然な反応です。
病気で苦しむ私に、温かい励ましの言葉をかけてくれて、心から___。
病気の時に温かい励ましの言葉をもらえば、心から感動し、感謝の気持ちを覚えるでしょう。
彼の優しさと献身的な行動に、周りの人々はみな___。
優しさと献身的な行動は、他者を深く感動させる（感激させる）ものです。
The whole venue was deeply moved by her touching speech.
I was deeply touched by his kind gesture.
My long-cherished dream came true, and I was so deeply moved that I couldn't speak.
Read this aloud:
その映画のラストシーンには、誰もが感激するでしょう。
Focus: ラストシーンには、誰もが感激するでしょう。
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
遠く離れた友人からの手紙に感激しました。
Focus: 友人からの手紙に感激しました。
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼の努力が実を結び、私も感激しています。
Focus: 彼の努力が実を結び、私も感激しています。
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you've just attended an incredibly moving live performance. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) describing your feelings using 「感激する」. Focus on expressing the depth of your emotion.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昨晩のコンサートは本当に素晴らしく、歌声に心から感激しました。特に最後の曲では、涙が止まらず、胸がいっぱいになりました。このような素晴らしい体験ができて、本当に幸せです。歌手の情熱がひしひしと伝わってきて、感動せずにはいられませんでした。
You received unexpected help from a stranger during a difficult time. Write a thank you note (3-4 sentences) expressing how deeply touched you were by their kindness, using 「感激する」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先日、困っていた時にご親切に助けていただき、心から感激いたしました。見ず知らずの私に手を差し伸べてくださったことに、深く感謝しております。おかげさまで、無事に問題を解決することができました。本当にありがとうございました。
Describe a moment in a book or movie that deeply moved you. Use 「感激する」 to convey the strong emotion you felt. (3-4 sentences)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
最近読んだ小説のあるシーンでは、主人公の決断に深く感激しました。逆境に立ち向かうその姿は、私に大きな勇気を与えてくれました。まさか物語の世界でここまで感情移入するとは思いませんでした。本当に素晴らしい作品でした。
彼女はどのような状況で「感激した」のでしょうか？
Read this passage:
長年夢見ていた舞台に立つことができ、観客からの温かい拍手喝采を浴びた時、彼女は感無量で言葉にならなかった。その瞬間、これまでの努力が報われたと心から感激した。
彼女はどのような状況で「感激した」のでしょうか？
パッセージには「長年夢見ていた舞台に立つことができ、観客からの温かい拍手喝采を浴びた時、彼女は感無量で言葉にならなかった。その瞬間、これまでの努力が報われたと心から感激した」と明記されています。
パッセージには「長年夢見ていた舞台に立つことができ、観客からの温かい拍手喝采を浴びた時、彼女は感無量で言葉にならなかった。その瞬間、これまでの努力が報われたと心から感激した」と明記されています。
彼が「感激した」理由は何ですか？
Read this passage:
彼は災害現場でのボランティア活動を通して、人々の助け合いの精神に深く触れた。見知らぬ人同士が互いを思いやり、困難を乗り越えようとする姿を見て、心底感激し、自分ももっと貢献したいと強く思った。
彼が「感激した」理由は何ですか？
パッセージには「人々の助け合いの精神に深く触れた。見知らぬ人同士が互いを思いやり、困難を乗り越えようとする姿を見て、心底感激し」と書かれています。
パッセージには「人々の助け合いの精神に深く触れた。見知らぬ人同士が互いを思いやり、困難を乗り越えようとする姿を見て、心底感激し」と書かれています。
筆者が「感激した」のは、どのような出来事によるものですか？
Read this passage:
幼い頃から尊敬していた作家のサイン会に偶然遭遇し、直接言葉を交わす機会を得た。憧れの人物が目の前にいることに信じられない気持ちでいっぱいになり、その優しさに深く感激した。
筆者が「感激した」のは、どのような出来事によるものですか？
パッセージには「幼い頃から尊敬していた作家のサイン会に偶然遭遇し、直接言葉を交わす機会を得た。憧れの人物が目の前にいることに信じられない気持ちでいっぱいになり、その優しさに深く感激した」と明記されています。
パッセージには「幼い頃から尊敬していた作家のサイン会に偶然遭遇し、直接言葉を交わす機会を得た。憧れの人物が目の前にいることに信じられない気持ちでいっぱいになり、その優しさに深く感激した」と明記されています。
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Basic Meaning of 感激する
「感激する」 (kangeki suru) is a verb meaning to be deeply moved, impressed, or touched by something. It's often used when you experience a strong positive emotion due to someone's kindness, a performance, or an event.
Using with particle に
You often use 「感激する」 with the particle 「に」 (ni) to indicate what you were moved by. For example, 「彼の優しさに感激しました」 (Kare no yasashisa ni kangeki shimashita) means "I was moved by his kindness."
Common Situations for 感激する
This word is perfect for expressing your feelings after seeing a great movie, a beautiful concert, or when someone does something incredibly thoughtful for you. It's about a strong, positive emotional impact.
Don't confuse with 嬉しい
While 「嬉しい」 (ureshii) means happy, 「感激する」 is a much deeper and more intense emotion. You might be happy to get a gift, but you'd be deeply moved (感激する) if someone made a huge sacrifice for you.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
