Translation guide
Expresses the state of being deeply engaged or engrossed in an activity, thought, or feeling. Japanese uses various verbs, adjectives, and set phrases depending on whether the focus is on losing track of time, being captivated, or being mentally occupied.
To describe being so focused on something that you forget everything else, often with a sense of pleasure or flow.
Literally 'become in a dream'. The most common and versatile way to say you are absorbed in something enjoyable. Can be used for hobbies, games, books, etc.
彼はゲームに夢中になっている。
He is absorbed in the game.
The children are absorbed in play.
A more formal or literary term meaning to immerse oneself deeply in a single pursuit, often intellectual or artistic.
彼女は研究に没頭している。
She is absorbed in her research.
Implies passionate absorption, often with enthusiasm or excitement. Common for sports, hobbies, or temporary crazes.
彼はサッカーに熱中している。
He is absorbed in soccer.
Often used for indulging in pleasures or vices, but can also mean being absorbed in reading or daydreaming. Can carry a nuance of escapism or excess.
彼は読書に耽っている。
He is absorbed in reading.
To describe being so charmed or fascinated by something that you can't take your eyes off it, often with a sense of wonder or admiration.
To be so captivated by a beautiful sight that you stare in fascination. Often used for scenery, art, or an attractive person.
私はその景色に見とれた。
I was absorbed in the scenery.
To be in a dreamy, enchanted state, often due to beauty or a pleasant feeling. More passive and emotional than 夢中.
彼女は音楽にうっとりしている。
She is absorbed in the music (in a dreamy way).
To describe being so lost in thought, worry, or a mental task that you are unaware of your surroundings.
To be deep in thought, often about a problem or worry. Implies a furrowed brow and not noticing things.
彼は何かを考え込んでいる。
He is absorbed in thought.
To be lost in thought, often with a poetic or melancholic nuance. More literary than 考え込む.
彼女は物思いにふけっていた。
She was absorbed in her thoughts.
A technical or formal term for being immersed in a mental task or virtual reality. Often used in psychology or tech contexts.
彼は作業に完全に没入している。
He is completely absorbed in his work.
To describe being so focused on reading or watching something that you ignore everything else.
To be absorbed in reading, often for a long time. Combines 読む (read) with 耽る (indulge).
彼は小説を読みふけっている。
He is absorbed in a novel.
Literally 'become nailed to the screen'. Used when someone can't take their eyes off a TV, smartphone, etc.
子供たちはテレビに釘付けになっている。
The kids are glued to the TV.
夢中 is the most common and casual, suitable for any enjoyable absorption. 熱中 implies passion and excitement, often for hobbies or sports. 没頭 is more serious and intellectual, used for deep study or work. 夢中 can also imply a temporary craze, while 没頭 suggests sustained focus.
ゲームに夢中になる (casual fun)
get absorbed in a game
研究に没頭する (serious study)
be absorbed in research
The English word 'absorb' can mean 'soak up' (liquid) or 'engross'. The Japanese verb 吸収する (きゅうしゅうする) only means physical absorption (e.g., water, nutrients, knowledge). To express 'being absorbed in an activity', use the phrases above.
✕ ゲームに吸収されている
(incorrect) being absorbed in a game
映画に夢中で時間が経つのに気づかなかった。
I was so absorbed in the movie that I didn't notice the time.
彼女はスマホに夢中だ。
She is absorbed in her smartphone.
Literally 'have one's heart stolen'. Stronger than 見とれる; implies being completely captivated or enchanted.
彼はその絵に心を奪われた。
He was completely absorbed by the painting.