ganshou: 感受 - To Feel, Experience; a Feeling, Sensation
Quick Summary
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Summary: Learn the deep meaning of 感受 (gǎnshòu), a fundamental Chinese word for “to feel,” “to experience,” or a “feeling.” This page explores how `感受` goes beyond a simple sensation, referring to a deeper, more personal experience of being moved or impacted by something. Discover the crucial difference between `感受` and `感觉 (gǎnjué)`, see practical examples, and understand its cultural significance to express your feelings in Chinese more authentically.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): gǎnshòu
Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: To feel, perceive, or experience; a feeling, sensation, or impression that one has personally undergone.
In a Nutshell: `感受` is about the *act of receiving an experience*. Think of it not just as “I feel sad,” but as “I am experiencing sadness” or “the feeling of sadness has come over me.” It implies a more profound, personal, and often external stimulus. You `感受` the warmth of a community, the power of a piece of music, or the atmosphere of a historic city. It’s a feeling that you absorb and process.
Character Breakdown
感 (gǎn): To feel, to sense, to move (emotionally). This character combines 咸 (xián), originally a phonetic component, with 心 (xīn), the “heart” radical. So, at its core, 感 is about a feeling in the heart or mind.
受 (shòu): To receive, to accept, to be subjected to. The original pictograph shows one hand passing something to another, representing the act of receiving.
When you combine them, 感受 (gǎnshòu) literally means “to receive a feeling.” This perfectly captures its meaning: you are not just generating an emotion internally, but you are actively receiving and processing a feeling or experience from an external source.
Cultural Context and Significance
In English, “I feel” can be used for almost anything, from “I feel hungry” to “I feel this movie is profound.” Chinese is more specific. `感受` holds a special weight; using it signifies a deeper level of engagement and introspection.
Introspection and Sincerity: When a Chinese person shares their `感受`, they are often sharing a sincere, personal reflection on how an event, person, or piece of art has impacted them. It’s a way of showing that they have truly taken the experience to heart.
Comparison to “Being Moved By”: A good Western parallel is the difference between “I feel the cold” and “I was moved by the speech.” `感受` is much closer to the latter. You wouldn't typically use `感受` for a simple physical state like being tired or hungry. Instead, you use it for things that leave an impression on you, like `感受` the kindness of a stranger, the historical weight of a landmark, or the festive atmosphere of a holiday. It’s about being affected on a deeper, often emotional or intellectual, level.
Practical Usage in Modern China
`感受` is common in both spoken and written Chinese, especially when sharing personal reflections.
As a Verb (to feel, to experience): It's often followed by `到 (dào)`, a result complement that emphasizes the feeling has been successfully “received” or perceived.
e.g., `我感受到了他的真诚。` (Wǒ gǎnshòu dào le tā de zhēnchéng.) - “I felt his sincerity.”
As a Noun (a feeling, an impression, an experience): It refers to the experience or feeling itself.
e.g., `这次旅行给了我很多新的感受。` (Zhè cì lǚxíng gěi le wǒ hěn duō xīn de gǎnshòu.) - “This trip gave me many new feelings/experiences.”
Formality: It is neutral in formality but carries more weight than the casual `感觉 (gǎnjué)`. It's perfectly suited for heartfelt conversations, written reviews (of books, movies, travel), and expressing a personal reaction to a significant event.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
在这里，你能感受到浓厚的文化氛围。
Pinyin: Zài zhèlǐ, nǐ néng gǎnshòu dào nónghòu de wénhuà fēnwéi.
English: Here, you can feel the rich cultural atmosphere.
Analysis: This is a classic use of `感受`. “Atmosphere” is something external that you absorb and experience, making `感受` the perfect verb.
Example 2:
看了这部电影，你有什么感受？
Pinyin: Kàn le zhè bù diànyǐng, nǐ yǒu shéme gǎnshòu?
English: After watching this movie, what are your feelings/thoughts?
Analysis: Here, `感受` is a noun, asking for the listener's personal, reflective experience of the film.
Example 3:
他不太会表达自己的真实感受。
Pinyin: Tā bú tài huì biǎodá zìjǐ de zhēnshí gǎnshòu.
English: He isn't very good at expressing his true feelings.
Analysis: As a noun, `感受` refers to one's deep, authentic feelings, as opposed to superficial emotions.
Example 4:
当我站在长城上时，我感受到了历史的厚重。
Pinyin: Dāng wǒ zhàn zài Chángchéng shàng shí, wǒ gǎnshòu dào le lìshǐ de hòuzhòng.
English: When I stood on the Great Wall, I felt the weight of history.
Analysis: “The weight of history” is an abstract, profound concept that one *experiences*. `感受` + `到` is the perfect structure to convey this.
Example 5:
这只是我个人的感受，不一定对。
Pinyin: Zhè zhǐshì wǒ gèrén de gǎnshòu, bù yídìng duì.
English: This is just my personal feeling/impression, it's not necessarily correct.
Analysis: Using `感受` as a noun here emphasizes that this is a subjective experience, not an objective fact.
Example 6:
请你闭上眼睛，感受一下阳光的温暖。
Pinyin: Qǐng nǐ bì shàng yǎnjing, gǎnshòu yíxià yángguāng de wēnnuǎn.
English: Please close your eyes and feel the warmth of the sun.
Analysis: While `感觉` could also work here, `感受` encourages a more mindful, deliberate act of *experiencing* the warmth, not just noticing it.
Example 7:
他的话让我感受到了巨大的压力。
Pinyin: Tā de huà ràng wǒ gǎnshòu dào le jùdà de yālì.
English: His words made me feel immense pressure.
Analysis: Pressure is an external force that you are “subjected to” or “receive,” making `感受` a very fitting choice.
Example 8:
作为一名志愿者，我深刻地感受到了帮助他人的快乐。
Pinyin: Zuòwéi yī míng zhìyuànzhě, wǒ shēnkè de gǎnshòu dào le bāngzhù tārén de kuàilè.
English: As a volunteer, I deeply felt the joy of helping others.
Analysis: “The joy of helping others” is an experience gained through action. The adverb `深刻地 (shēnkè de)` meaning “deeply” often pairs well with `感受`.
Example 9:
谈谈你对这次活动的感受吧。
Pinyin: Tántan nǐ duì zhè cì huódòng de gǎnshòu ba.
English: Go ahead and talk about your feelings/impressions of this event.
Analysis: This is a common way to ask for feedback after a shared experience. It invites a personal reflection.
Example 10:
虽然我们离得很远，但我能感受到你的支持。
Pinyin: Suīrán wǒmen lí de hěn yuǎn, dàn wǒ néng gǎnshòu dào nǐ de zhīchí.
English: Although we are far apart, I can feel your support.
Analysis: “Support” is an abstract concept that is “received” emotionally, making `感受` the ideal word to describe this connection across a distance.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between `感受` and `感觉`.
Think of it this way: You `感觉` the temperature of the water, but you `感受` the relaxing power of a hot bath after a long day.
感觉 (gǎnjué) - The general, everyday term for “to feel” or “a feeling”; also means “sensation” or “intuition.”
体验 (tǐyàn) - To experience (something firsthand, by doing it); an experience (often practical). More about participation.
体会 (tǐhuì) - To know from experience, to realize; an understanding gained through personal experience. More about the knowledge gained.
感情 (gǎnqíng) - Emotion, feeling, affection, sentiment (especially regarding relationships between people).
心情 (xīnqíng) - Mood, state of mind (e.g., in a good/bad mood).
感动 (gǎndòng) - To be moved, to be touched emotionally. This is a result of a `感受`. You `感受` a sad story, and as a result, you are `感动`.
印象 (yìnxiàng) - Impression (what you think/feel about someone or something upon first encounter).