Translation guide
How to express the idea of concentrating your thoughts, clearing distractions, and directing mental energy in Japanese.
To direct your thoughts and attention to a specific task or object, blocking out distractions.
The most common and versatile way to say 'concentrate' or 'focus'. Used for studying, working, or any mental focus.
試験前に集中しなければならない。
I have to focus before the exam.
To empty your mind of distractions, achieve a state of calm focus, often before a performance or creative work.
To calm your mind. Often the first step to focusing, especially when anxious or scattered.
まず心を落ち着けてから始めよう。
Let's calm our minds first and then start.
To fix your gaze or mental attention on a single point, often for meditation or precision.
To focus on a single point. Used both literally (staring at a dot) and figuratively (focusing on one goal).
彼は一点に集中して矢を放った。
He focused on a single point and released the arrow.
集中する is general 'concentrate' for any task. 専念する implies devoting yourself exclusively to one thing, often over a period of time, and sounds more serious or dedicated.
今は勉強に集中している。
I'm concentrating on studying right now.
彼は小説の執筆に専念している。
He is devoting himself to writing his novel.
The loanword フォーカスする is mainly used for camera focus or metaphorical 'focus' in business contexts (e.g., 問題にフォーカスする). For mental concentration, 集中する is much more natural.
I can't focus on my work.
Literally 'gather your spirit/energy'. Emphasizes mental focus, often used in meditation, martial arts, or when you need to pull yourself together.
気を集中して瞑想する。
Focus your mind and meditate.
A more formal or literary way to say 'focus one's mind'. Often used in contexts requiring deep mental concentration.
彼は精神を集中して問題に取り組んだ。
He focused his mind and tackled the problem.
To devote oneself entirely to something. Implies single-minded focus, often on a goal or activity.
彼は研究に専念している。
He is devoting himself to his research.
Literally 'focus the heart/mind'. Similar to 精神を集中する but slightly more emotional or spiritual nuance.
心を集中して祈った。
I focused my mind and prayed.
To become free of distracting thoughts; to achieve a state of 'no-mind'. Common in Zen and martial arts.
無心になって筆を走らせた。
I cleared my mind and let the brush fly.
To brush away idle thoughts. A vivid way to say 'clear your mind of distractions'.
雑念を払って集中する。
Clear away distractions and focus.
To strain one's eyes; to look intently. Implies visual focus, often in dim light or at a distance.
暗闇に目を凝らした。
I strained my eyes in the darkness.