印象

• Reading: いんしょう
• Romaji: inshou
• Kanji breakdown: 印 (in) — stamp, mark, seal; 象 (shō) — image, phenomenon
• Pronunciation: /iɴ.ɕoː/

Meaning

Impression; the feeling or image one gets from something or someone.

A noun used to describe the overall feeling or mental image formed about a person, place, or experience. Commonly appears in set phrases like 第一印象 (first impression) and 印象を与える (to give an impression). Often paired with adjectives to describe what kind of impression was made.

Examples

1. 日本の第一印象はとてもきれいな国だということです。 My first impression of Japan was that it's a very clean country.
2. あの映画は強い印象を残しました。 That movie left a strong impression.
3. 彼女は優しい印象を与える人です。 She's the kind of person who gives off a gentle impression.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, conversation, meetings

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 印 (stamp/mark) and 象 (image/phenomenon). Together they describe a mark left on the mind — the impression formed from an experience or encounter.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal