感動

• Reading: かんどう
• Romaji: kandō
• Kanji breakdown: 感 (feeling) + 動 (move) → feelings being moved
• Pronunciation: /kaɴ.doː/

Meaning

Deeply moved, touched emotionally — one of the most common and versatile expressions for being genuinely impressed or moved.

One of the most fundamental emotion words in Japanese, 感動 expresses being deeply moved or touched. It works across all registers — from a casual '感動した！' (I was so moved!) on social media to formal speeches. It can describe reactions to art, kindness, nature, achievements, or any experience that stirs the heart. 感動的 (kandouteki) is the adjective form meaning 'moving/touching.'

Examples

1. この映画マジで感動した。絶対見て。 This movie seriously moved me. You have to see it.
2. 初めて富士山を見たとき、感動で言葉が出なかった。 When I saw Mount Fuji for the first time, I was so moved I couldn't speak.
3. お客さんからの手紙に感動して泣いちゃった。 I was so touched by the customer's letter that I cried.

Usage Guide

Context: daily conversation, reviews, social media, formal

Tone: sincere, appreciative

Do Say

• 感動した！素晴らしいスピーチだった。 (I was so moved! That was a wonderful speech.)
• 感動的な映画だから、ハンカチ持っていって。 (It's a moving film, so bring a handkerchief.)

Don't Say

• つまらないものに「感動した」と言うと皮肉に聞こえることがある (Saying 'kandou shita' about something boring can come across as sarcastic)

Common Mistakes

• Confusing 感動 with 感心 (kanshin, impressed/admiring) — 感動 is emotional and tear-inducing, while 感心 is more intellectual admiration

Origin & History

From Chinese 感動 (gǎndòng). Standard Japanese used across all registers since classical times. 感動した = 'I was so moved.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical, timeless usage across all periods

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used universally across Japan. One of the first emotion words taught to Japanese language students. Appears constantly in movie reviews, travel writing, and daily conversation.