1.
feeling, mood, frame of mind
One's inner feeling or emotional state. A somewhat refined way to describe how one feels or the emotional atmosphere.
心持ちがいい。
It feels pleasant.
春の陽気で、心持ちが明るくなった。
The spring weather brightened my mood.
旅から帰って、懐かしいわが家に着いたときの心持ちは格別だった。
The feeling of arriving home after a trip was something special.
2.
slightly, a little, a touch
Used adverbially to mean 'just a little' or 'slightly.' Indicates a very small degree of change or difference.
心持ち左に寄せてください。
Please move it slightly to the left.
今日は心持ち暖かい。
It's a touch warmer today.
塩を心持ち多めに入れると、味が引き締まる。
Adding just a touch more salt brings out the flavor.
USAGE:
In sense 1 (noun), 心持ち is a refined alternative to 気持ち (feeling). It is more literary and introspective.
In sense 2 (adverb), 心持ち indicates a very slight degree — smaller than 少し or ちょっと. It is commonly used when giving instructions that require minute adjustments.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 心持ち: feeling (refined); slightly (very small amount)
- 気持ち: feeling (everyday); slightly (as adverb)
- 少し: a little (more than 心持ち)
- わずかに: slightly, marginally (formal)
Related Words
Synonym:
気持ち (feeling)