Translation guide
Describes a state of intense but often short-lived passion or obsession, usually romantic. Japanese expressions range from casual slang to literary terms, and the choice depends on intensity, duration, and formality.
Expressing that someone is strongly attracted to or obsessed with another person in a romantic way, often implying a temporary or shallow feeling.
Literally 'neck-deep', this is a common casual phrase meaning to be head over heels or completely infatuated with someone. Often used in a lighthearted or slightly self-deprecating way.
He's completely infatuated with her.
Means 'absorbed in' or 'crazy about'. Very common for both romantic and non-romantic obsessions. When used romantically, it implies being so into someone that you can't think of anything else.
He's infatuated with his new girlfriend.
Verb meaning 'to fall for' or 'to be charmed by'. Often used in the past tense 惚れた to describe being smitten. Can sound a bit old-fashioned or dramatic.
I've completely fallen for her.
Literally 'to feel dizzy/lightheaded', used figuratively to mean being infatuated to the point of losing one's head. Somewhat dramatic and less common in daily speech.
He's infatuated with her to the point of losing his head.
Describing a state where someone is so infatuated that they lose objectivity, often ignoring flaws or reality. Can be used for romantic or non-romantic obsessions.
Literally 'to have no eyes', meaning to be so infatuated or fond of something/someone that you can't judge properly. Often used for food or hobbies, but can apply to people.
He's completely infatuated with her (and can't see her faults).
Means 'to drown', metaphorically used for being addicted to or lost in something, including romantic infatuation. Implies a dangerous loss of self-control.
Adjective meaning 'maddening' or 'distracting with passion'. Used in literary or dramatic contexts to describe an intense, almost painful infatuation.
Emphasizing that the infatuation is likely fleeting, not deep love. Often used for celebrity crushes or short-term attractions.
Means 'longing' or 'admiration'. Often used for crushes on unattainable people like celebrities or seniors. Less intense than love, more about admiration.
He has a crush on his senior (admiration-based infatuation).
Literally 'flirtatious heart', referring to a fleeting romantic interest or infatuation, often while already in a relationship. Carries a negative connotation of unfaithfulness.
His infatuation (with someone else) quickly cooled.
Means 'to raise one's heat', i.e., to become enthusiastic or infatuated, often temporarily. Can be used for hobbies or people.
In Japanese, 恋 (こい) often implies a passionate, sometimes selfish desire, while 愛 (あい) is deeper, more selfless love. Infatuation is usually closer to 恋, but many of the expressions above emphasize the obsessive or temporary nature even more strongly.
English 'be infatuated' doesn't have a single direct equivalent. Using a dictionary word like 心酔する (しんすいする) would sound overly formal and unnatural. Choose an expression based on the nuance you want.
彼は恋に溺れている。
He's drowning in love (infatuated to a dangerous degree).
My maddening infatuation for her grows.
He's infatuated with that actress.