Translation guide
The English verb "absorb" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical soaking to mental focus and financial loss. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being absorbed and how.
To take in a liquid through pores or surface, like a sponge or cloth.
General term for absorbing liquid, light, heat, etc. Often used for physical or scientific contexts.
This towel absorbs water well.
Literally 'suck in'; implies drawing something inwards. Used for liquids, air, or even figurative absorption.
The sponge absorbed the water.
Simply 'to suck' or 'inhale'. Can be used for absorbing moisture but less precise than 吸収する.
The paper absorbs the ink.
To learn or understand something thoroughly, often by reading or listening.
Same word as for physical absorption, but metaphorically extended to knowledge. Very common.
He is rapidly absorbing new knowledge.
Literally 'attach to one's body'; means to acquire a skill or knowledge through practice. Emphasizes internalization.
Simply 'to understand'. Use when 'absorb' means to fully comprehend.
To be completely focused on something, like a book or task.
To be absorbed in something; to be crazy about it. Very natural for hobbies, books, etc.
He is absorbed in the novel.
To be immersed or deeply engrossed. Slightly more formal or literary than 夢中になる.
To be enthusiastic and absorbed in something. Often used for hobbies or sports.
To take in and make part of something else, like a company absorbing a smaller one, or a group absorbing new members.
Again the same verb; used for mergers, integration, etc.
The large corporation absorbed the small company.
Specifically 'to merge'. Used when two entities combine, often in business.
To take in, incorporate. Can be used for absorbing new ideas, members, or data.
To bear a financial burden without passing it on.
To cushion or reduce the force of a blow or vibration.
While 吸収する can be used for absorbing knowledge, using it for absorbing a person into a group can sound like 'swallowing up' or 'assimilating' in a negative way. For welcoming new members, 受け入れる (うけいれる) or 取り込む (とりこむ) are safer.
All mean 'absorbed in', but 夢中 is most casual and emotional, 没頭 is more serious and often intellectual, and 熱中 implies enthusiasm and energy. 夢中 can also mean 'infatuated'.
留学中に英語を身につけた。
I absorbed English during my study abroad.
He quickly absorbed the concept.
She is absorbed in her research.
The children are absorbed in the game.
The two banks were absorbed (merged).
新しいメンバーをチームに取り込んだ。
We absorbed new members into the team.
The loss can be absorbed by the budget.
The airbag absorbed the impact.