しみじみ

adverb

deeply; keenly; heartfelt

descriptive

1. deeply; keenly; heartfelt

With deep emotion or sincere feeling, often reflecting quietly on something.

しみじみと昔(むかし)を思(おも)い出(だ)した。

I quietly reminisced about the past.

友人(ゆうじん)の大切(たいせつ)さをしみじみ感(かん)じた。

I deeply felt the importance of friends.

故郷(ふるさと)の写真(しゃしん)を見(み)ながら、しみじみと懐(なつ)かしさがこみ上(あ)げてきた。

Looking at photos of my hometown, a deep feeling of nostalgia welled up inside me.

2. intently; closely

Looking at or examining something with careful, prolonged attention.

しみじみと顔(かお)を見(み)た。

I gazed intently at their face.

彼女(かのじょ)はしみじみと私(わたし)の顔(かお)を見(み)つめた。

She gazed intently at my face.

久(ひさ)しぶりに会(あ)った息子(むすこ)の顔(かお)をしみじみと眺(なが)めた。

I gazed intently at my son's face after seeing him for the first time in a long while.

Common patterns

しみじみ(と) - the と particle is optional
しみじみした + noun (creates adjective phrase)

Usage

Often used when:

Reflecting on life or memories
Appreciating something deeply
Experiencing quiet, profound emotions

Conveys a quiet, contemplative mood. Often associated with nostalgia, gratitude, or the appreciation of subtle things. Not used for strong, explosive emotions.

Common collocations

しみじみ感(かん)じる (to feel deeply)
しみじみ思(おも)う (to think deeply)
しみじみ味(あじ)わう (to savor deeply)
しみじみと語(かた)る (to speak heartfelt)
しみじみと見(み)る (to gaze intently)

Related Words

Related: つくづく (thoroughly/keenly)

general

Added 2026.1.18 13:42 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

06500/06715_shimijimi