Translation guide
How to express the action of entering something quickly, forcefully, or deeply in Japanese. Covers physical movement, immersion in activities, and sudden involvement.
Describing the action of jumping or diving into water, a pool, river, etc.
The most common verb for jumping or diving into water. Implies a sudden, forceful entry.
He plunged into the pool.
It's dangerous to plunge into the river.
Loanword from English 'dive'. Often used in sports or casual contexts.
I plunged into the sea.
Describing rushing into a room, building, or dangerous situation.
Describing starting to do something with great energy or focus.
Means to be absorbed or immersed in something. Often used for hobbies, work, or study.
He is plunging into his research.
I want to plunge into a new hobby.
To devote oneself to something, to throw oneself into an activity. Similar to 没頭する but can imply more active effort.
To be deeply engrossed, often to the point of obsession. Slightly negative nuance possible.
Describing entering a state like darkness, chaos, war, etc.
Pattern meaning 'to fall into (a bad state)'. Used for plunging into chaos, recession, despair, etc.
The country was plunged into chaos.
The world was plunged into a depression.
Used for entering a new period or phase, often suddenly. Common with 'new era', 'war', etc.
They plunged into war.
飛び込む is for physical plunging (water, rooms). 没頭する and 打ち込む are for mental immersion. 打ち込む implies active effort, while 没頭する is more about being absorbed. のめり込む can have a negative nuance of being too obsessed.
Do not use 'plunging into' literally with 突っ込む for all cases. 突っ込む can mean 'to thrust into' but often sounds violent or sexual. Stick to the options above.
He has the courage to plunge into danger.
The police plunged into the building.
仕事に打ち込んでいる。
He's plunging into his work.
I got completely plunged into the game.