感情的
kanjōteki[kã̠ɲ̟d͡ʑo̞ːte̞kʲi]
The Japanese word for emotional is 感情的 (kanjōteki).
感情的 describes someone who is characterised by emotion. In Japanese, it often carries a negative connotation, specifically describing someone who is losing their composure or acting on impulse rather than reason.
Meaning: characterised by emotion (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 感情 (kanjō), meaning 'emotion' and the suffix 的 (teki), which turns a noun into an adjective meaning '-like' or '-al'.
Which one should you use?
While 感情的 often implies a loss of control, 情緒的 is a more literary term used in formal situations to imply a deeper emotional impact. If you wish to describe someone's personality as being 'emotionally rich' or 'sensitive', you should use 感受性が豊かな. To describe the specific act of being moved to tears, use 感動して泣く.
How do you pronounce it?
kanjōteki
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, showing that one is 感情的 in a professional setting is often seen as a lack of maturity or 'shitsuke' (upbringing) rather than just a personality trait.
- The suffix 的 (teki) used in 感情的 was borrowed from Chinese and is used in Japanese to create a vast number of adjectives, similar to how English uses 'ish' or 'like'.
- While 感情的 is often negative, the word 感動 (kandō) is used to describe the positive 'emotion' of being deeply moved or inspired, such as by a beautiful piece of art.
Examples in context
- そう感情的にならないで。Don't get so emotional.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to get too emotional using 感情的.Tatoeba #10610189 by small_snow, translation #2270384 by CK
- 時々ね、感情的になっちゃうの。I get emotional sometimes.This sentence shows how to say one gets emotional sometimes using 感情的.Tatoeba #9795398 by small_snow, translation #9795342 by DJ_Saidez
- 感情的で、もう理屈ですらない。He's being emotional and not even thinking straight anymore.This sentence describes someone being emotional and not thinking straight using 感情的.Tatoeba #11001304 by KK_kaku_, translation #11565956 by pip
- 彼の感情的な反応は意外でした。His emotional reaction was unexpected.
- 彼の演技は情緒的で、私たちを感動させました。His performance was emotional and moved us deeply.
- その映画はとても感動的で、涙が止まりませんでした。That movie was very emotional, and my tears wouldn't stop.
- あなたの心のこもった言葉に感動しました。I was moved by your heartfelt words.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are discussing a recent debate at school.
- 蓮 Ren昨日の議論はかなり感情的だったね。Kinou no giron wa kanari kanjouteki datta ne.Yesterday's debate was quite emotional, wasn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiそうだね、みんな少し熱くなりすぎたよ。Sou da ne, minna sukoshi atsuku narisugita yo.True, everyone got a little too heated.
- 蓮 Ren結衣は、もっと冷静に話すべきだと思う？Yui wa, motto reisei ni hanasu beki da to omou?Yui, do you think they should have spoken more calmly?
- 結衣 Yuiええ、もっと論理的であるべきだったわ。Ee, motto ronriteki de aru beki datta wa.Yes, they should have been more logical.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “emotional” translations and entries 感情的, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
