Translation guide
The English word 'obsession' covers a range of meanings from a strong, persistent interest to a pathological fixation. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on whether the focus is a hobby, a person, a thought, or a clinical condition. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese equivalent for each nuance.
Expressing that someone is very into a hobby, topic, or activity, often in a positive or neutral way.
The most common and natural way to say someone is obsessed with or crazy about something. It implies being so absorbed that you lose track of other things. Can be used for hobbies, people, games, etc.
He's been obsessed with video games lately.
I'm obsessed with that drama.
Very common casual expression meaning 'to be hooked on' or 'addicted to' something enjoyable. Slightly more colloquial than 夢中.
Lately I've been obsessed with Korean dramas.
Means 'enthusiasm' or 'being absorbed in something'. Often used in the pattern 〜に熱中する. Slightly more formal than 夢中.
He is obsessed with his work.
Implies immersing oneself deeply in an activity, often to the exclusion of other things. More literary or formal.
She is absorbed in her research.
Describing a persistent, often irrational or excessive preoccupation with something or someone, usually with a negative connotation.
The most direct translation for a negative obsession, implying attachment, fixation, or clinging. Often used for unhealthy attachments to people, ideas, or material things.
He is still obsessed with his ex-lover.
Means 'adherence' or 'insistence', often used when someone stubbornly sticks to an idea, method, or belief. Closer to 'obsession with a particular way of doing things'.
Expressing an intense, often unhealthy fixation on a specific person.
The standard way to say 'obsessed with a person'. See above.
The stalker was obsessed with the victim.
Literally 'to become too absorbed in someone'. Implies a level of obsession that is excessive or unhealthy.
Referring to obsessive thoughts as part of obsessive-compulsive disorder or similar conditions.
夢中 (muchuu) is generally positive or neutral, implying enthusiastic absorption. 執着 (shuuchaku) is negative, implying unhealthy attachment or clinging. Use 夢中 for hobbies and fun interests; use 執着 for fixations that cause suffering or are socially inappropriate.
It's good to be obsessed with a hobby.
You should let go of your obsession with your ex.
Avoid directly translating 'obsession' as 執着 when you mean a positive strong interest. Saying 私はゲームに執着している sounds like you have an unhealthy fixation on games, not that you simply love playing them. Use 夢中 or ハマっている instead.
I'm obsessed with games. (positive)
Let go of your obsession with money.
He is obsessed with his own opinion.
Literally 'obsessive idea' or 'compulsion'. Used in psychological contexts or to describe an irrational, persistent thought that one cannot get rid of. Stronger and more clinical.
He is obsessed with the idea that someone is watching him.
She was so obsessed with him that she lost her friends.
A clinical or dramatic term for 'erotomania' or romantic delusion. Used when someone falsely believes another person is in love with them.
She has a romantic obsession with her boss.
Obsessions are one symptom of OCD.