The Difference Between「〜と思う」と「〜と感じる」の違い｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)

(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.

Joy

うわあ…なんだか、歴史（れきし）を感（かん）じますね。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.)

Ken

そうですね。ここは100年前に建てられたそうです。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

Word	Center	Use Case
思う (Omou)	🧠 Head (Brain)	Logic, Prices, Future predictions, Will (“I will do”)
感じる (Kanjiru)	❤️ Heart / 💪 Body	Pain, Temperature, Atmosphere, Art/Music

🚧 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.)