![(Alt Text: Joy thinking with logic [Omou] vs. Joy feeling an emotion [Kanjiru])](https://jplt-dialogplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Gemini_Generated_Image_5bd0to5bd0to5bd0.png)
(Joy thinking with logic [Omou] vs. Joy feeling an emotion [Kanjiru])
“I think it will rain.” vs. “I feel the rain coming.”
In Japanese, we distinguish between using your Head (Logic) and your Heart/Body (Senses). 〜と思う (To omou) and 〜と感じる (To kanjiru). Let’s learn the difference!
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy and Ken are looking at a strange abstract painting in a gallery.
Joy
うーん。これは 猫（ねこ）の絵（え）だ と思います。
耳（みみ）がありますから。
(Hmm. I “think” this is a painting of a cat. Because it has ears. [Logic/Reasoning])
耳（みみ）がありますから。
(Hmm. I “think” this is a painting of a cat. Because it has ears. [Logic/Reasoning])
Ken
そうですか？私（わたし）は、この絵（え）から 悲（かな）しみを 感じます。
(Really? I “feel” sadness from this painting. [Impression/Sensation])
(Really? I “feel” sadness from this painting. [Impression/Sensation])
💡 Explanation
Are you using your brain (Head) or your senses (Heart/Skin)?
Point 1: To omou (〜と思う) = Head (Think)
Used for Opinions, Predictions, Logic, and Intentions. It is an intellectual process.
- 明日（あした）は 晴（は）れると 思います。
(I think it will be sunny tomorrow. [Prediction]) - この本（ほん）は 高（たか）いと 思います。
(I think this book is expensive. [Opinion])
Point 2: To kanjiru (〜と感じる) = Heart/Body (Feel)
Used for Physical Sensations (cold, pain) or Atmosphere/Impressions. It comes from the outside into your body/heart.
- 冷（つめ）たい風（かぜ）を 感じます。
(I feel a cold wind. [Physical Sensation]) - 彼（かれ）の言葉（ことば）に 優（やさ）しさを 感じました。
(I felt kindness in his words. [Impression])
📊 Comparison
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
(Making a plan)
❌ Wrong: 明日（あした）、買い物（かいもの）に行こうと 感じます。
(You cannot “sense” your own future plan!)
✅ Right: 明日（あした）、買い物（かいもの）に行こうと 思います。
(I think I will go shopping. [Intention])
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
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