Translation guide
Expresses being completely absorbed in an activity, often to the point of losing track of time or surroundings. Japanese uses various verbs and set phrases depending on the nuance—whether it's positive absorption, obsessive focus, or being captivated by something.
To be deeply focused on something you enjoy, like a hobby, book, or game, often losing track of time.
The most common and versatile way to say 'be engrossed in.' Literally 'become in a dream,' it implies being so absorbed you forget everything else. Works for hobbies, games, books, etc.
彼は新しい小説に夢中になっている。
He is engrossed in a new novel.
子供たちはゲームに夢中だ。
The kids are engrossed in the game.
Similar to 夢中になる but slightly more formal and often implies passionate enthusiasm. Commonly used for hobbies or interests.
彼は週末はいつもガーデニングに熱中している。
He is always engrossed in gardening on weekends.
Means to immerse oneself deeply, often in work, study, or a creative pursuit. Slightly more serious tone than 夢中になる.
彼女は研究に没頭している。
She is engrossed in her research.
Implies diving in headfirst and becoming completely absorbed, sometimes to an excessive degree. Can have a nuance of being hooked or obsessed.
彼はオンラインゲームにのめり込んでいる。
He is engrossed in online games.
To be so interested or charmed by something that you can't look away or stop thinking about it.
To be engrossed in watching something, often with a sense of fascination or admiration. Used for visual things like scenery, performances, or screens.
私たちは美しい夕日に見入った。
We were engrossed in the beautiful sunset.
To be engrossed in listening, often to music, a story, or someone's voice. Implies being captivated by the sound.
To be fascinated or charmed by something. Stronger nuance of being captivated or spellbound. Often used for performances, art, or people.
観客はその演奏に魅了された。
The audience was engrossed in the performance.
To be so absorbed that it becomes an obsession, often with a negative or excessive connotation.
Literally 'to be possessed by,' used for being obsessed or engrossed to an unhealthy degree. Often used for ideas, thoughts, or desires.
彼は復讐の考えに取り憑かれている。
He is engrossed in thoughts of revenge.
Similar to 没頭する but can imply a more intense, almost trance-like immersion. Often used in contexts like gaming or virtual reality.
彼はゲームの世界に没入している。
He is engrossed in the game world.
夢中 (muchuu) is the most everyday word for being engrossed in something fun. 熱中 (netchuu) implies passionate enthusiasm, often for a hobby. 没頭 (bottou) is more serious and often used for work or study. All three can be used with に + なる/する.
English 'be engrossed in' doesn't have a single direct equivalent. Avoid trying to translate word-for-word. Instead, choose the Japanese expression that matches the nuance: 夢中 for fun absorption, 見入る for watching, 聞き入る for listening, etc.
He was engrossed in her story.