Japanese word

感心

Pronunciation

Romajikanshin

Meaning

  • nounbeing impressed

Example

その絵には感心しました。so no e ni wa kan shin shi ma shi ta

I was impressed by that painting.

Illustration for 感心 (being impressed)

More examples

彼の丁寧な仕事ぶりには、本当に感心しました。kare no tei nei na shi goto bu ri ni wa hon tō ni kan shin shi ma shi ta

I was truly impressed by his careful work.

Core concept

Describes recognizing excellence in someone or something and feeling respect because of it.

Common phrases

  • 仕事ぶりに感心するshi goto bu ri ni kan shin su ru

    be impressed by someone's work

Similar words

感動kandō: A powerful feeling caused by something beautiful, meaningful, or emotionally moving.
尊敬sonkei: A feeling of high regard for a person because of their character, abilities, or conduct.

Definition in Japanese

人や物事の優れた点を認め、立派だと心を動かされること。hito ya mono goto no sugu re ta ten o mito me rip pa da to kokoro o ugo ka sa re ru ko to

Word origin

感心 (kanshin) combines 感 (kan, "feel") and 心 (shin, "heart or mind"), forming a Sino-Japanese compound about the heart being moved by excellence.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 感心する (kanshin suru) often shows respect for someone's skill or conduct, while 感動する (kandō suru) more often describes being deeply moved.

Other meanings

  • admirationnoun

Opposites

  • 無関心mukanshinindifferencenoun

Related words

  • 感心するkanshinsurube impressedverb

Word lists with this word