Translation guide
The English word "focus" covers a wide range of meanings, from concentrating attention to adjusting a camera lens. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on the specific meaning. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners.
To direct one's attention, mental effort, or activity toward a particular task, subject, or goal.
The most common and versatile verb for concentrating one's mind, effort, or resources on something. Used with the particle に to indicate the target.
Please focus on your studies.
He is focusing on his work.
To devote oneself entirely to something, often implying a single-minded focus over a period of time. More formal than 集中する.
I want to focus on my research.
Literally 'to shine a spotlight on', meaning to focus attention or discussion on a particular topic or issue. Common in presentations and writing.
Today we will focus on environmental issues.
To pay attention or notice something. Often used when directing public or media attention. Less about personal concentration and more about noticing or highlighting.
Attention is focusing on that issue.
To adjust the focus of a camera, microscope, or other optical instrument to make an image clear.
The main point of attention, interest, or activity; the central or most important thing.
The most direct translation for 'focus' as a noun meaning the center of interest or attention. Used in both literal and figurative contexts.
The focus of the discussion is the budget.
Means 'center' and can be used to indicate the main focus of an activity or topic. More general than 焦点.
Literally 'target', used figuratively to mean the focus of criticism, attention, or jokes. Often used in set phrases.
The state of being able to see or think clearly; the quality of having clear definition.
Used in phrases like 'in focus' or 'out of focus' for both visual and mental clarity.
This photo is in focus.
More colloquial for visual focus, especially in photography. Can be used metaphorically for mental clarity.
I can't focus my mind today.
To cause light, sound, or other waves to converge at a single point.
Both mean 'to concentrate', but 集中する is for short-term focus on a task, while 専念する implies dedicating oneself to something over a longer period, often exclusively. 専念する is more formal and less common in daily conversation.
Before the exam, I focus on studying.
He is devoting himself to writing a novel.
English uses 'focus' in many idiomatic ways that don't directly translate to 焦点 or 集中. For example, 'focus on the positive' might be better expressed as 前向きに考える (think positively) rather than a literal translation. Always consider the natural Japanese expression for the situation.
I need to focus on my work.
The camera is out of focus.
The focus of today's meeting is the new project.
A more technical or formal term for focusing an optical device, using the word for 'focal point'. Used in scientific contexts.
Focus the microscope.
She was the focus of attention.
彼がチームの中心だ。
He is the focus of the team.
He became the focus of criticism.
His explanation is out of focus.