deep impression

You usually use this with the verbs leave or make. For example, "The book left a deep impression on me." You can also say you have a deep impression of something. It often describes people, art, speeches, or travel experiences. It sounds very sincere and thoughtful when you say it. Don't use it for small things like a good sandwich. Use it for things that touch your soul.

Use it when you want to show genuine respect. It is perfect for a job interview after meeting a great CEO. Use it when talking about a mentor who changed your life. It works well in a thank-you note after a beautiful wedding or a deep conversation. If a movie made you cry or rethink your life, this is your phrase. It tells people, "This mattered to me."

Avoid using it for trivial, everyday stuff. If you say, "That taco left a deep impression on me," people might think you're joking. It sounds a bit too heavy for casual gossip. Don't use it if you just liked something a little bit. It’s for the big, impactful moments. Also, don't confuse it with physical impressions, like a dent in a car. This is about feelings and memories.

In English-speaking cultures, we value being "moved" by experiences. This phrase comes from the idea of printing or stamping. Just like a stamp leaves ink on paper, life leaves marks on us. It suggests that you are a sensitive, observant person. It’s a very poetic way to describe the human experience. It has been used in literature for centuries to show character growth.

You might hear people say lasting impression or profound impact. These are very similar. Lasting impression focuses on the time—it stays forever. Profound impact is a bit more formal and academic. You can also say someone impressed you deeply. They all carry that same weight of importance. Just choose the one that feels most natural to your voice.