![(Alt Text: Joy thinking with logic [Omou] vs. Joy feeling with senses [Kanjiru])](https://jplt-dialogplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-9-2026-12_56_29-PM.png)
(Joy thinking with logic [Omou] vs. Joy feeling with senses [Kanjiru])
“I think it’s expensive.”
“I feel cold.”
In Japanese, we separate thoughts from sensations. 〜と思う (To omou) is for the head. 〜と感じる (To kanjiru) is for the heart and body. Let’s master this distinction with Joy and Ken!
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy and Ken enter a very old, traditional Japanese house.
ちょっと不思議（ふしぎ）な雰囲気（ふんいき）です。
(Wow… somehow, I “feel/sense” the history. It has a slightly mysterious atmosphere.)
もっと人気（にんき）が出ると 思（おも）います よ。
(Right. I heard it was built 100 years ago. I “think/predict” it will become more popular.)
💡 Explanation
Head vs. Body.
Point 1: 〜と思う (Omou) = Head (Logic/Opinion)
Keywords: Prediction, Opinion, Intention
Used when you use your brain to judge, guess, or plan. It is subjective but intellectual.
- 明日（あした）は 晴れると 思います。
(I think it will be sunny tomorrow. [Prediction]) - 高いと 思います。
(I think it is expensive. [Judgment based on price])
Point 2: 〜と感じる (Kanjiru) = Heart/Body (Senses)
Keywords: Five Senses, Atmosphere, Intuition
Used when you receive information through your skin, ears, nose, or “vibe.” It is passive perception.
- 寒（さむ）さを 感じます。
(I feel the cold. [Physical sensation]) - 視線（しせん）を 感じました。
(I felt someone looking at me. [Intuition/Gaze]) - 魅力（みりょく）を 感じる。
(I feel the charm/appeal. [Emotional response])
📊 Comparison Table
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
(Joy has a stomachache at the hospital)
❌ Wrong: 先生、お腹（なか）が 痛（いた）いと 思います。
(Tone: “Doctor, it is my opinion that my stomach hurts.” This sounds too detached, like you are guessing.)
✅ Right: 先生、お腹に 痛（いた）みを 感じます。（or お腹が痛いです）
(Tone: “Doctor, I can feel pain in my stomach.” This describes the physical sensation accurately.)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
