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印象 — meaning in English: impression

inshō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for impression
火災
kasai
印象
inshō
タンパク質
tanpakushitsu
プロデューサー
purodyūsā
フィルム
firumu
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 印象 (inshō) in both personal and professional settings to describe their immediate feelings or thoughts about someone or something. For instance, you might hear it during a job interview when discussing first impressions of a candidate or while chatting with friends about a movie and how it left an impression on them.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym to 印象 (inshō) is 感じ (kanji), which means 'feeling' or 'sense'. While both can convey a sense of perception, 印象 is more focused on the overall impression or mark left by an experience, whereas 感じ is often more about immediate feelings or sensations in a moment.
Culture
The word 印象 (inshō) comes from the combination of the characters 印 (in) meaning 'seal' or 'mark' and 象 (shō) meaning 'image' or 'figure'. This etymology reflects how an impression can be seen as a mark left on one’s mind. Interestingly, in Japanese culture, the concept of first impressions is highly valued, often influencing relationships and business dealings significantly.
FAQ
Q.What does 印象 mean in English?
印象 (inshō) translates to 'impression' in English, indicating a lasting effect or perception formed by an experience or encounter.
Q.How do you use 印象 in a sentence?
You can use 印象 in sentences like '彼の印象はとても良かったです' (Kare no inshō wa totemo yokatta desu), which means 'His impression was very good.'
Q.Is there a difference between 印象 and 第一印象?
Yes, 第一印象 (daiichi inshō) specifically refers to 'first impression', while 印象 can refer to any impression formed at any time. Use 第一印象 when discussing initial encounters.
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Japanese 2000