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.
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.
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.
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.
I like to indulge in reading on weekends.
Means to fully enjoy or savor something, often used for food, experiences, or scenery. More positive than 'ふける'.
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.
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.
He spends his holidays indulging in hot springs.
He indulged in alcohol and lost his job.
Simply means 'to do too much'. Attach to verb stem. Very common and direct.
I indulged too much in sweets.
Literally 'to drown in', used for being addicted or ruined by something like alcohol, gambling, or pleasure.
He indulged in gambling and got into debt.
Grandmother indulges her grandchildren by buying them lots of sweets.
To let someone do as they please. A more neutral way to say you're indulging someone's wishes.
Today I indulged the kids and let them play at the amusement park as they liked.