Translation guide
To allow yourself to enjoy something, often something considered a luxury or pleasure, sometimes to excess.
To allow yourself to enjoy something pleasant, like good food, a hobby, or a relaxing activity.
Used when you are deeply absorbed in an enjoyable activity, often for a long time. Can imply a slight excess.
週末は読書にふけるのが好きです。
I like to indulge in reading on weekends.
To do something too much, especially eating, drinking, or spending money, often with negative consequences.
Also used for negative indulgence, like drinking too much or gambling. Context makes it clear.
彼は酒にふけて仕事を失った。
He indulged in alcohol and lost his job.
To give someone a treat or let them do something they enjoy, often as a kindness.
Means to pamper or spoil someone, often by giving them what they want. Can be negative if overdone.
祖母は孫を甘やかして、お菓子をたくさん買ってあげる。
Grandmother indulges her grandchildren by buying them lots of sweets.
The English phrase 'indulge in' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using a dictionary gloss like 'ふける' without understanding the nuance can sound unnatural. Choose the option based on whether the indulgence is positive, negative, or about pampering someone.
Means to fully enjoy or savor something, often used for food, experiences, or scenery. More positive than 'ふける'.
旅行先で地元の料理を堪能した。
I indulged in the local cuisine at my travel destination.
A general and safe way to say 'enjoy'. Less intense than 'indulge', but works in many contexts.
たまには贅沢なディナーを楽しみたい。
I want to indulge in a luxurious dinner once in a while.
Literally 'to soak in', used metaphorically for indulging in an atmosphere, emotion, or pleasure. Often poetic.
彼は休日は温泉に浸って過ごす。
He spends his holidays indulging in hot springs.
Simply means 'to do too much'. Attach to verb stem. Very common and direct.
甘いものを食べすぎてしまった。
I indulged too much in sweets.
Literally 'to drown in', used for being addicted or ruined by something like alcohol, gambling, or pleasure.
彼はギャンブルに溺れて借金を作った。
He indulged in gambling and got into debt.
To let someone do as they please. A more neutral way to say you're indulging someone's wishes.
今日は子供たちに好きなようにさせて、遊園地で遊ばせた。
Today I indulged the kids and let them play at the amusement park as they liked.