Translation guide
The state of being absorbed in thought or a particular concern, often to the exclusion of other things.
Describing a state where one's mind is completely occupied by a specific thought, worry, or idea.
Being completely absorbed in an activity or thought, often with a positive or neutral connotation of deep focus.
Referring to the thing itself that one is preoccupied with.
没頭 implies deep, focused absorption, often in intellectual or creative work. 夢中 is more about being carried away by enjoyment or excitement. とらわれ has a negative nuance of being trapped by a thought or worry.
彼は小説の執筆に没頭している。
He is absorbed in writing his novel.
彼女はアイドルに夢中だ。
She is crazy about the idol.
彼は研究に没頭している。
He is absorbed in his research.
Being caught up or obsessed with an idea, worry, or past event; often implies a negative, unhealthy fixation.
彼女は過去の失敗にとらわれている。
She is preoccupied with past failures.
Being engrossed in something enjoyable; often used for hobbies or fun activities. Less about worry, more about enthusiasm.
子供たちはゲームに夢中だ。
The children are preoccupied with the game.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'one's mind is elsewhere'; describes a distracted, absent-minded state.
彼は心ここにあらずの様子だ。
He seems preoccupied (his mind is elsewhere).
Similar to 没頭 but more literary; implies sinking deeply into a state or activity.
彼は読書に没入していた。
He was immersed in reading.
A worry or concern that weighs on one's mind; something that causes anxiety or unease.
彼の健康が気がかりだ。
His health is a preoccupation (a worry).
A matter of interest or concern; more neutral and formal, often used for topics that occupy one's thoughts.
環境問題は彼の主な関心事だ。
Environmental issues are his main preoccupation.
Attachment or fixation on something, often with a negative nuance of clinging or obsession.
彼はお金に執着している。
He has a preoccupation with money.
He is preoccupied with the fear of failure.
The English word 'preoccupation' is often translated as 先入観 (preconception) or 占有 (occupation/seizure), but these are incorrect for the psychological state. Use the options above depending on context.
He is preoccupied with the fear of failure.
The English word 'preoccupation' is often translated as 先入観 (preconception) or 占有 (occupation/seizure), but these are incorrect for the psychological state. Use the options above depending on context.