Translation guide
To direct attention, effort, or a lens toward something specific. Japanese uses different verbs and patterns depending on whether you mean concentrating mentally, emphasizing a topic, adjusting a camera, or narrowing a discussion.
To give your full attention to a task, subject, or goal, often with sustained mental effort.
The most common and natural way to say 'focus on' for mental concentration. Used with に for the target.
Please focus on your studies.
He is focusing on his work.
To devote oneself entirely to one thing, often for a period of time. Slightly more formal than 集中する.
I want to focus on my research.
Literally 'put strength into', meaning to focus efforts or resources on something. Common in business and casual contexts.
To be absorbed or immersed in something, often a hobby or intellectual pursuit. Stronger than 集中する.
To make something the central point of discussion, presentation, or policy.
Literally 'shine a spotlight on'. Very common for focusing on a topic, issue, or aspect in discussion or analysis.
To make an image sharp by adjusting the focus of a camera, microscope, or other optical device.
The standard phrase for focusing a camera or lens. ピント comes from Dutch 'brandpunt'.
To restrict attention, discussion, or resources to a specific area or group.
Literally 'squeeze' or 'narrow down'. Very common in business and casual speech for focusing efforts or targeting a specific segment.
While フォーカスする exists as a loanword, it is mainly used in photography or business jargon. For mental concentration, 集中する is much more natural. Using フォーカスする for studying or working can sound unnatural or overly technical.
focus on studying
集中する is the general term for concentrating attention. 専念する implies devoting oneself exclusively to one thing, often for a longer period, and carries a nuance of dedication. 専念する is more formal and less common in casual speech.
The company is focusing on overseas expansion.
He is absorbed in writing a novel.
Today we will focus on environmental issues.
To place emphasis or priority on something. Often used in business, education, and policy contexts.
This plan focuses on safety.
To pay attention to or focus public attention on something. Often used for trends, people, or events.
The media is focusing on that incident.
Please focus on the subject.
A more technical or formal alternative to ピントを合わせる, using the kanji for focal point.
Focus the microscope.
Focus the target on young people.
Let's focus the discussion on the main topic.
To specialize or focus exclusively on a particular field or product. Common in business and technology.
Our company focuses on AI development.