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B1 noun, verb #1,500 most common 13 min read

集中

shuuchuu Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 集中 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 集中 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Japanese language. The word 集中 (shūchū) is generally considered slightly too advanced for absolute beginners, who are primarily focused on basic greetings, numbers, and simple daily verbs like 'to eat' (食べる) or 'to sleep' (寝る). However, A1 learners might encounter this word in a passive context, especially if they watch Japanese media, anime, or sports. They might hear a coach yelling 'Shūchū!' to players, or a teacher saying it in a classroom setting. At this stage, the goal is not necessarily to use the word actively in complex sentences, but rather to recognize its sound and associate it with the concept of 'focus' or 'paying attention.' A1 learners can benefit from learning the kanji visually. The first character 集 looks like a bird on a tree, gathering. The second character 中 is a simple line through a box, meaning middle. Recognizing these shapes helps build a foundation for later vocabulary acquisition. If an A1 learner wishes to use it, the simplest form is just the word itself as an exclamation: '集中！' (Focus!). They might also learn the very basic verb form '集中します' (shūchū shimasu - I will focus), though constructing sentences with the correct particle (に) might still be challenging. The focus at A1 should remain on exposure and basic phonetic recognition rather than grammatical mastery.

As learners progress to the A2 level, they begin to construct more functional sentences about their daily lives, routines, and immediate needs. At this stage, 集中 (shūchū) becomes a highly useful vocabulary word, particularly for students or professionals who need to describe their study or work habits. A2 learners should focus on mastering the basic verb pattern: [Noun] + に + 集中する (ni shūchū suru). For example, they can learn to say '勉強に集中します' (benkyō ni shūchū shimasu - I will focus on my studies) or '仕事に集中します' (shigoto ni shūchū shimasu - I will focus on my work). They can also start using the continuous form to describe their current state: '今、集中しています' (ima, shūchū shite imasu - I am concentrating right now). This is incredibly practical for politely declining invitations or explaining why they cannot talk at the moment. Furthermore, A2 learners can begin to express inability using the negative potential form: '集中できません' (shūchū dekimasen - I cannot concentrate). This is useful for explaining that a room is too noisy or that they are too tired to study. While they may not yet grasp the macro-level societal uses of the word (like population density), mastering these personal, daily applications provides a significant boost to their communicative competence and allows them to express their mental state more accurately than just saying 'I am busy' (忙しいです).

The B1 level is where 集中 (shūchū) truly shines as a core vocabulary item. At this intermediate stage, learners are expected to discuss abstract concepts, personal experiences, and opinions with greater fluency and precision. 集中 is officially categorized as a B1 level word because it bridges the gap between simple physical actions and internal cognitive states. B1 learners must confidently use the word in various conjugations and contexts. They should be comfortable with the noun form 集中力 (shūchūryoku - concentration ability) and its associated verbs. For instance, saying '最近、集中力がありません' (saikin, shūchūryoku ga arimasen - recently, I have no concentration) or '集中力が切れました' (shūchūryoku ga kiremashita - my concentration broke) is expected at this level. Additionally, B1 learners should start recognizing the word in broader contexts outside of personal study habits. They might read simple news articles or listen to broadcasts that mention 集中豪雨 (shūchū gōu - localized heavy rain) during typhoon season. They should also understand the difference between 集中 (active focus) and similar words like 注意 (chūi - caution) or 注目 (chūmoku - attention). Grammatically, they should be able to construct complex sentences using conjunctions, such as '周りがうるさいので、仕事に集中できません' (mawari ga urusai node, shigoto ni shūchū dekimasen - because the surroundings are noisy, I cannot concentrate on my work). Mastery at the B1 level means the word is fully integrated into both their active speaking vocabulary and their reading comprehension.

At the B2 level, learners are approaching advanced fluency and can understand complex texts and abstract discussions. Their use of 集中 (shūchū) must evolve from describing personal study habits to discussing professional strategies, societal trends, and psychological concepts. B2 learners should be comfortable using the word in formal business contexts. They might use the causative form to discuss resource allocation: 'このプロジェクトに資金を集中させるべきだ' (kono purojekuto ni shikin o shūchū saseru beki da - we should concentrate funds on this project). They should also be able to engage in discussions about modern societal issues, such as the decline of attention spans due to smartphones, using phrases like '現代人の集中力の低下' (gendaijin no shūchūryoku no teika - the decline in modern people's concentration). Furthermore, B2 learners will frequently encounter the word in news media discussing demographics, specifically the concept of 人口の集中 (jinkō no shūchū - concentration of population) in urban areas. They should be able to read and understand articles discussing the pros and cons of 東京一極集中 (Tōkyō ikkyoku shūchū - the over-concentration in Tokyo). At this level, the vocabulary surrounding the word expands significantly. Learners should know synonyms like 専念 (sennen - dedication) and 没頭 (bottō - immersion) and be able to choose the exact right word to convey the specific nuance of mental engagement they intend. The word becomes a tool for sophisticated argumentation and analysis.

C1 learners possess a high level of operational proficiency and can express themselves fluently and spontaneously. At this stage, the use of 集中 (shūchū) is expected to be native-like, encompassing complex idiomatic expressions, academic terminology, and nuanced socio-political discussions. C1 learners will encounter the word in academic papers, economic reports, and high-level literature. They must understand highly specific compound nouns such as 集中治療室 (shūchū chiryōshitsu - Intensive Care Unit / ICU), 集中審議 (shūchū shingi - intensive deliberation in parliament), or 集中砲火 (shūchū hōka - concentrated fire / barrage of criticism). In professional environments, they can lead meetings discussing 選択と集中 (sentaku to shūchū - selection and concentration), a common Japanese business strategy concept involving choosing core businesses and concentrating resources on them. They should be able to articulate complex psychological states, discussing the nuances between achieving a state of flow (フロー状態) versus mere functional concentration. Grammatically, there are no barriers; they can seamlessly weave the word into passive, causative-passive, and conditional structures. For example: '権力が一箇所に集中させられることの危険性' (kenryoku ga ikkasho ni shūchū saserareru koto no kikensei - the danger of power being forced to concentrate in one place). At the C1 level, the challenge is no longer understanding the word, but utilizing it with the exact stylistic appropriateness and register required for highly formal, academic, or professional discourse.

At the C2 level, the learner's command of Japanese is near-native, demonstrating a deep understanding of cultural, historical, and linguistic subtleties. The word 集中 (shūchū) is utilized effortlessly across all possible domains, from classical literature to cutting-edge scientific research. C2 learners understand the etymological depth of the kanji and how the concept of 'gathering to the center' permeates Japanese societal structures, such as the historical centralization of power during the Meiji Restoration (中央集権 - chūō shūken). They can engage in philosophical debates about the nature of consciousness and attention, using terms like 精神集中 (seishin shūchū - mental concentration/meditation) in the context of Zen Buddhism or traditional martial arts (budō). They are adept at recognizing and employing the word in highly specialized fields, such as discussing market concentration (市場集中度 - shijō shūchūdo) in antitrust economics, or the concentration of stress (応力集中 - ōryoku shūchū) in mechanical engineering and physics. Furthermore, C2 learners can play with the language, creating spontaneous, context-appropriate metaphors involving the concept of concentration. They understand the unwritten cultural implications of the word—how the Japanese educational system's intense focus on 集中力 shapes societal behavior and work ethics. At this ultimate level of proficiency, 集中 is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual lens through which the learner can analyze and articulate the most complex aspects of Japanese society, science, and human psychology.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

集中 in 30 Seconds

Means to focus mental energy on a single task.
Used with the particle 'ni' (e.g., 勉強に集中する).
Also describes physical gathering, like population density.
Commonly used as the noun 集中力 (concentration ability).

The Japanese word 集中 (shūchū) is a highly versatile and essential term that primarily translates to 'concentration' or 'focus' in English. To truly grasp its meaning, we must first look at the kanji characters that compose it. The first character, 集 (shū), means 'to gather,' 'to collect,' or 'to assemble.' You might recognize it from words like 集める (atsumeru, to collect) or 集合 (shūgō, gathering). The second character, 中 (chū), means 'middle,' 'center,' or 'inside.' When combined, the literal translation of 集中 is 'to gather in the center.' This literal imagery perfectly encapsulates both the mental and physical applications of the word. In a mental or cognitive context, 集中 refers to the act of gathering all your thoughts, attention, and mental energy and directing them toward a single, central point or task. It is the exact opposite of being distracted or scatterbrained. When a student is studying for a crucial university entrance exam, they must exercise intense 集中. When an athlete is preparing for a game-winning penalty kick, they enter a state of absolute 集中.

Mental Concentration: This refers to the cognitive process of directing all your mental faculties towards a single task, completely ignoring any external or internal distractions that might disrupt your workflow or thought process.

彼は今、仕事に完全に集中している。

Beyond the psychological realm, 集中 is equally important in physical, geographical, and demographic contexts. It describes the phenomenon of physical objects, resources, or populations gathering densely in one specific area. For instance, Japan frequently discusses the issue of 東京一極集中 (Tōkyō ikkyoku shūchū), which translates to the over-concentration of the population, political power, and economic resources in the single pole of Tokyo. In this sense, the word moves away from individual cognitive effort and scales up to describe macro-level societal trends. Furthermore, the word can be used to describe the concentration of power (権力の集中) in a political entity, or the concentration of wealth (富の集中) among a specific demographic. This dual nature—applicable to both the micro-level of human thought and the macro-level of physical distribution—makes it a cornerstone of intermediate and advanced Japanese vocabulary.

Physical Density: The accumulation or gathering of physical entities, such as people, wealth, or resources, into a single geographic location or demographic group.

人口が都市部に集中している。

富の集中は社会問題を引き起こす。

Understanding these nuances is critical for learners aiming for CEFR B1 and above. At the B1 level, you are expected to move beyond simple daily routines and start discussing abstract concepts, societal issues, and detailed personal states. 集中 bridges the gap between saying 'I am studying' and 'I am focusing on my studies.' It allows for a higher degree of precision in expressing intent and effort. In everyday conversation, you will frequently hear the derived noun 集中力 (shūchūryoku), which means 'ability to concentrate' or 'attention span.' The suffix 力 (ryoku/chikara) means power or ability. In modern society, where smartphones and social media constantly vie for our attention, the decline of 集中力 is a common topic of discussion among educators, parents, and professionals alike.

Concentration Ability: The sustained cognitive capacity to maintain focus over an extended period, often referred to as attention span in English.

最近、集中力が続かない。

このゲームは子供の集中力を高める。

To summarize, 集中 is not just a simple vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool that allows speakers to articulate the gathering of energy, resources, or people into a centralized point. Whether you are talking about your own study habits, the intense focus of a professional athlete, or the demographic challenges facing modern Japan, mastering the various applications of 集中 will significantly elevate the sophistication and accuracy of your Japanese communication.

Using 集中 (shūchū) correctly in Japanese requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. As a verbal noun (often referred to as a suru-verb), it can function independently as a noun or be transformed into a verb by appending する (suru). This dual functionality makes it incredibly common in both spoken and written Japanese. Let us first examine its use as a verb. When you want to say that you are focusing on something, you use the pattern '[Target] に集中する' ([Target] ni shūchū suru). The particle に (ni) is crucial here because it indicates the direction or the specific point where your mental energy is being gathered.

Verb Usage: By adding 'suru', the noun becomes an action. The target of the action is marked by the particle 'ni'.

明日のテストのために、勉強に集中します。

運転中は運転に集中してください。

In progressive or continuous states, you will frequently hear 集中している (shūchū shite iru), which translates to 'is concentrating' or 'is focused.' This is perhaps the most common tense used in daily conversation because focus is usually an ongoing state rather than a momentary action. When someone is deep in thought and you do not want to disturb them, you might observe that they are 集中している. Conversely, if you are struggling to maintain your focus, you might use the negative potential form, 集中できない (shūchū dekinai), meaning 'I cannot concentrate.'

Potential and Negative Forms: Expressing the ability or inability to focus is extremely common, especially in academic or professional environments where distractions are present.

周りがうるさくて、全く集中できない。

As a noun, 集中 is often compounded with other characters to create highly specific terms. The most ubiquitous of these is 集中力 (shūchūryoku - concentration ability). You will often hear verbs like 高める (takameru - to raise/improve), 切れる (kireru - to run out/break), or 続く (tsudzuku - to continue) paired with 集中力. For example, '集中力が切れた' (shūchūryoku ga kireta) is a very natural way to say 'I lost my focus' or 'My concentration broke.' Another common compound is 集中豪雨 (shūchū gōu), which translates to 'localized torrential rain.' This perfectly illustrates the 'gathering in one center' concept applied to weather patterns.

Noun Compounds: Combining shūchū with other kanji creates specific terms used in news, weather, and psychology.

昨夜、この地域で集中豪雨がありました。

短期集中コースで英語を学ぶ。

In formal writing or business contexts, you might encounter the passive or causative forms. For instance, a manager might say 資源を一つのプロジェクトに集中させる (shigen o hitotsu no purojekuto ni shūchū saseru), meaning 'to concentrate resources on a single project.' This causative usage highlights the intentional direction of assets. Understanding these various grammatical structures—from simple suru-verbs to complex noun compounds and causative applications—will allow you to use 集中 with native-like fluency and precision across a wide range of conversational and professional scenarios.

The word 集中 (shūchū) is ubiquitous in Japanese society, appearing in an incredibly diverse array of contexts ranging from casual daily conversations to highly formal news broadcasts. Because the concept of focus and concentration is universally applicable, you will encounter this word in almost every facet of life in Japan. One of the most common environments where 集中 is heard is in the educational sector. From elementary schools to universities, teachers constantly urge students to focus on their studies. You will frequently hear phrases like '授業に集中しなさい' (jugyō ni shūchū shinasai - concentrate on the class). During exam seasons, such as the rigorous university entrance exams (juken), the term 集中力 (shūchūryoku - ability to concentrate) becomes a buzzword. Bookstores are filled with self-help books offering techniques on how to improve one's 集中力, and pharmacies sell supplements and energy drinks marketed specifically to boost mental focus during late-night study sessions.

Educational Context: Used extensively by teachers and parents to encourage students to pay attention and maintain their study habits.

受験生にとって、集中力を維持することは最も重要です。

彼は図書館で勉強に集中している。

The corporate world is another major domain for this word. In Japanese business culture, efficiency and dedication are highly valued. Employees might apologize for missing a detail by saying '別の業務に集中していました' (betsu no gyōmu ni shūchū shite imashita - I was focusing on another task). Managers discuss strategic focus, using phrases like '経営資源の集中' (keiei shigen no shūchū - concentration of management resources) to describe focusing capital and manpower on core business areas. The modern open-plan office often leads to complaints about noise, prompting workers to say '集中できない' (shūchū dekinai - I can't concentrate).

Business and Corporate: Utilized to discuss work efficiency, strategic resource allocation, and the challenges of maintaining productivity in the workplace.

新規事業に資金を集中させる方針だ。

午後からは企画書の作成に集中します。

Beyond personal focus, you will hear 集中 constantly on the news, particularly in relation to demographics and weather. As mentioned earlier, 東京一極集中 (Tōkyō ikkyoku shūchū) is a persistent socio-economic issue discussed by politicians and economists, referring to the over-concentration of the population in Tokyo. During the rainy season (tsuyu) or typhoon season, meteorologists frequently warn of 集中豪雨 (shūchū gōu - localized torrential downpours), which can lead to severe flooding and landslides.

News and Media: Employed to describe macro-level phenomena such as population density, wealth distribution, and severe localized weather events.

関東地方で集中豪雨の恐れがあります。

Finally, in the realm of sports and performance arts, 集中 is the key to success. Athletes talk about entering a state of absolute focus before a match. Coaches yell '集中！' from the sidelines to keep their players engaged and alert. Whether it is a baseball pitcher staring down a batter, a musician preparing for a solo, or a gamer competing in an esports tournament, the psychological state of 集中 is universally recognized as the prerequisite for peak performance. Understanding these diverse contexts will help you appreciate the full spectrum of this essential word.

While 集中 (shūchū) is a relatively straightforward concept, Japanese learners often make subtle mistakes regarding its grammatical application and its distinction from similar words. One of the most frequent errors involves the choice of particles. Because 'focus' in English is a transitive concept (you focus *on* something), learners often intuitively use the Japanese direct object particle を (wo). They might say '勉強を集中する' (benkyō wo shūchū suru), which sounds highly unnatural to a native speaker. The correct particle is almost always に (ni), indicating the target or direction of the mental effort: '勉強に集中する' (benkyō ni shūchū suru).

Particle Errors: Using 'wo' instead of 'ni' is the most common grammatical mistake. Remember that mental energy is directed 'to' a point.

❌ 仕事を集中する。
⭕ 仕事に集中する。

❌ 運転を集中してください。
⭕ 運転に集中してください。

Another common area of confusion is distinguishing 集中 from words that translate similarly in English, such as 注目 (chūmoku - attention/notice) and 注意 (chūi - caution/attention). While you can 'focus your attention' in English, in Japanese, these words have distinct boundaries. 注目 is used when you are observing something with interest, like paying attention to a new fashion trend or a rising political star. You would not say '勉強に注目する' to mean 'I am focusing on my studies'; that would mean 'I am observing the concept of studying with interest.' 注意, on the other hand, implies caution or being careful. '運転に注意する' means 'drive carefully,' whereas '運転に集中する' means 'focus entirely on driving without distractions.'

Semantic Confusion: Mixing up shūchū (concentration) with chūmoku (observation/interest) or chūi (caution/warning).

❌ 先生の話に集中して！（When meaning 'Be careful/Watch out'）
⭕ 先生の話に注意して！

❌ その新しい技術に集中しています。（When meaning 'I am keeping an eye on it'）
⭕ その新しい技術に注目しています。

Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the noun form 集中力 (shūchūryoku). A common mistake is using incorrect verbs with it. In English, we say 'I lost my concentration.' A direct translation might lead a learner to say '集中力を失った' (shūchūryoku o ushinatta). While grammatically understandable, a native speaker is much more likely to say '集中力が切れた' (shūchūryoku ga kireta - my concentration was cut/broke). Similarly, to say 'I have a short attention span,' one should say '集中力が続かない' (shūchūryoku ga tsudzukanai - my concentration doesn't continue) rather than '集中力が短い' (shūchūryoku ga mijikai).

Collocation Errors: Pairing the noun shūchūryoku with unnatural verbs translated directly from English idioms.

❌ 集中力を失う。
⭕ 集中力が切れる。

By being mindful of the correct particle (に), understanding the nuanced differences between similar attention-related words, and learning the natural verb collocations for 集中力, learners can avoid these common pitfalls and sound significantly more natural and proficient in their Japanese communication.

The Japanese language is rich with vocabulary describing various states of mental engagement, dedication, and focus. While 集中 (shūchū) is the most direct translation for 'concentration,' several other words share overlapping meanings but carry distinct nuances. Understanding these synonyms is crucial for advanced learners who wish to express precise psychological states. One of the closest synonyms is 専念 (sennen). While 集中 refers to the immediate, cognitive act of focusing on a task, 専念 implies a longer-term, often exclusive dedication to a specific endeavor. For example, if you quit your part-time job to focus entirely on your university studies, you would use 専念 (学業に専念する). It carries a sense of sacrifice—giving up other things to devote yourself entirely to one path.

専念 (Sennen) - Dedication: Implies long-term devotion and exclusive focus on a single major life activity, often at the expense of other pursuits.

彼はプロのミュージシャンになるため、音楽に専念している。

今は治療に専念してください。

Another set of similar words includes 熱中 (netchū), 没頭 (bottō), and 夢中 (muchū). These words describe a state of being completely absorbed or engrossed in something, often to the point of losing track of time or one's surroundings. 熱中 (literally 'heat inside') implies an enthusiastic, passionate absorption, often used for hobbies or sports. 没頭 (literally 'submerging the head') suggests a deep, almost isolating immersion in a task, like a scientist in a lab or a writer working on a novel. 夢中 (literally 'inside a dream') describes a state of being so captivated or infatuated that you forget yourself, often used for children playing games or someone falling in love.

熱中 (Netchū) & 没頭 (Bottō) - Absorption: These words describe an intense, often passionate or isolating immersion in an activity, going beyond mere functional concentration.

子供たちはゲームに熱中している。

彼は研究に没頭して、寝るのも忘れた。

It is also worth comparing 集中 with 注意 (chūi) and 注目 (chūmoku), as mentioned in the common mistakes section. While 集中 is the gathering of mental energy for a task, 注意 is the outward projection of awareness to detect danger or errors (caution/attention). 注目 is the directing of one's gaze or interest toward a specific subject or person (observation/notice). By mastering these distinctions, you can paint a much more accurate picture of a person's mental state. Are they consciously working hard (集中)? Are they dedicating their life to a cause (専念)? Are they passionately lost in a hobby (熱中)? Or are they simply being careful (注意)?

注意 (Chūi) - Caution/Awareness: Focusing outward to prevent mistakes or avoid danger, rather than focusing inward to complete a task.

足元に注意してください。

In conclusion, while 集中 is your go-to word for 'concentration' in a functional, everyday sense, expanding your vocabulary to include 専念, 熱中, 没頭, and 夢中 will allow you to express the rich spectrum of human dedication, passion, and psychological absorption in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Particle に (Target of action)

Verb te-form + いる (Continuous state)

Potential form (できる / できない)

Causative form (させる)

Compound nouns (Noun + 力)

Examples by Level

しゅうちゅう！

Focus!

Used as a simple exclamation.

しゅうちゅうします。

I will focus.

Basic polite verb form.

しゅうちゅうして。

Please focus.

Te-form used as a gentle command.

しゅうちゅうできない。

I can't focus.

Basic negative potential form.

しゅうちゅうはだいじです。

Focus is important.

Used as a noun with the topic marker 'wa'.

みんな、しゅうちゅう！

Everyone, focus!

Common phrase in group settings.

しゅうちゅうしてください。

Please concentrate.

Polite request form.

いま、しゅうちゅうしています。

I am focusing now.

Present continuous form.

日本語の勉強に集中します。

I will focus on studying Japanese.

Using particle 'ni' for the target.

テレビを消して、宿題に集中して。

Turn off the TV and focus on your homework.

Combining actions with te-form.

今日は仕事に集中できませんでした。

I couldn't concentrate on work today.

Past negative potential form.

運転に集中してください。

Please focus on driving.

Common safety instruction.

彼はゲームに集中しています。

He is concentrating on the game.

Describing someone else's state.

テスト中は集中が大切です。

Concentration is important during a test.

Noun usage with 'ga'.

うるさくて集中できない。

It's noisy and I can't focus.

Cause and effect.

もっと集中しましょう。

Let's focus more.

Volitional form for suggestion.

最近、集中力が続かなくて困っています。

Lately, I'm troubled because my concentration doesn't last.

Using the compound noun shūchūryoku.

明日のプレゼンの準備に完全に集中している。

I am completely focused on preparing for tomorrow's presentation.

Using adverbs like 'kanzen ni' (completely).

この地域では集中豪雨に注意が必要です。

Caution is required for localized heavy rain in this area.

Specific weather terminology.

集中力が切れたので、少し休憩します。

My concentration broke, so I will take a short break.

Common collocation: shūchūryoku ga kireru.

短期間で英語を学ぶための集中コースに申し込みました。

I applied for an intensive course to learn English in a short period.

Using shūchū as a modifier (intensive).

気が散りやすいので、一つのことに集中するのが苦手です。

I get distracted easily, so I'm bad at focusing on one thing.

Expressing personal weaknesses.

深呼吸をして、精神を集中させた。

I took a deep breath and concentrated my mind.

Causative form usage.

人口が都市部に集中するのは大きな問題だ。

The concentration of the population in urban areas is a big problem.

Discussing societal phenomena.

経営資源をコアビジネスに集中させる戦略をとる。

We will adopt a strategy of concentrating management resources on our core business.

Formal business terminology and causative form.

東京への一極集中を是正するための政策が求められている。

Policies are needed to correct the over-concentration in Tokyo.

Advanced socio-economic vocabulary (ikkyoku shūchū).

彼は周囲の雑音を完全にシャットアウトし、作業に没頭・集中した。

He completely shut out the surrounding noise and immersed and focused himself on the task.

Combining synonyms for emphasis.

スマートフォンの普及が若者の集中力低下を招いているという指摘がある。

It is pointed out that the spread of smartphones is causing a decline in young people's concentration.

Academic/journalistic sentence structure.

この薬は副作用として、集中力の欠如を引き起こす可能性があります。

This medicine may cause a lack of concentration as a side effect.

Medical/formal context.

限られた時間を有効に使うため、優先順位をつけて集中的に取り組む。

To use limited time effectively, I prioritize and tackle things intensively.

Adverbial use (shūchū-teki ni).

富の集中が格差社会をさらに深刻化させている。

The concentration of wealth is making the disparity society even more severe.

Discussing abstract economic concepts.

アスリートが極限の集中状態、いわゆる「ゾーン」に入る瞬間を見た。

I saw the moment the athlete entered a state of extreme concentration, the so-called 'zone'.

Sports psychology terminology.

患者は直ちに集中治療室（ICU）へ搬送された。

The patient was immediately transported to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Specific medical compound noun.

野党は首相の任命責任について、予算委員会で集中審議を求めた。

The opposition party demanded intensive deliberation in the budget committee regarding the Prime Minister's responsibility for the appointment.

Political/parliamentary terminology.

新製品の不具合に対し、消費者から集中砲火を浴びる結果となった。

As a result of the new product's defects, they drew a barrage of criticism (concentrated fire) from consumers.

Idiomatic expression (shūchū hōka).

企業再生において「選択と集中」は避けて通れないプロセスである。

In corporate restructuring, 'selection and concentration' is an unavoidable process.

Established business management concept.

権力が中央に過度に集中することは、民主主義の根幹を揺るがしかねない。

The excessive concentration of power in the center could shake the very foundations of democracy.

Advanced political theory discussion.

特定の部品に応力が集中し、金属疲労による破壊が起きたと推測される。

It is presumed that stress concentrated on a specific part, causing destruction due to metal fatigue.

Engineering/physics terminology (ōryoku shūchū).

マスメディアの報道が特定の事件に集中することで、他の重要な問題が隠蔽される危険性がある。

There is a danger that other important issues are concealed when mass media reporting concentrates on a specific incident.

Media literacy and societal critique.

彼の演奏は、一音一音に研ぎ澄まされた精神の集中が感じられる。

In his performance, one can feel a sharpened mental concentration in every single note.

Literary/artistic critique style.

明治維新以降の中央集権体制の確立は、近代国家建設における不可避の過程であった。

The establishment of a centralized authoritarian system (concentration of power in the center) after the Meiji Restoration was an inevitable process in building a modern state.

Historical/academic terminology (chūō shūken).

市場集中度を示すハーフィンダール・ハーシュマン指数の上昇は、寡占化の進行を示唆している。

The rise in the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, which indicates market concentration, suggests the progression of oligopolization.

Advanced economics terminology (shijō shūchūdo).

情報化社会においては、人間の「アテンション（注意力・集中力）」こそが最も希少な資源として取引される。

In the information society, human 'attention (concentration)' itself is traded as the most scarce resource.

Sociological/philosophical discourse on the attention economy.

禅の修行における精神集中は、自己と外界の境界を融解させる至高の体験である。

Mental concentration in Zen practice is a supreme experience that melts the boundary between the self and the external world.

Religious/philosophical context.

特定の産業への過度な資本集中は、経済全体のレジリエンスを著しく損なう脆弱性を孕んでいる。

Excessive capital concentration in specific industries harbors vulnerabilities that significantly impair the resilience of the entire economy.

High-level economic analysis.

彼の小説は、人間の狂気という一点に異常なまでの集中力をもって肉薄している。

His novel closes in on the single point of human madness with an abnormal level of concentration.

Advanced literary criticism.

都市部への人口集中がもたらすヒートアイランド現象は、もはや看過できない環境問題へと発展した。

The urban heat island effect brought about by population concentration in urban areas has developed into an environmental issue that can no longer be overlooked.

Environmental science discourse.

多国籍企業による富の独占的集中は、グローバルサウスの貧困を構造的に固定化する要因となっている。

The monopolistic concentration of wealth by multinational corporations is a factor that structurally fixes poverty in the Global South.

International relations and global economics.

Synonyms

専念没頭凝縮集約一極集中

Antonyms

分散散漫

Common Collocations

集中する

集中力

集中豪雨

集中治療室

精神集中

集中的に

集中力が切れる

集中力が高まる

一極集中

選択と集中

Common Phrases

勉強に集中する

仕事に集中する

集中力が続かない

集中力を高める

集中できない

短期集中

集中して聞く

完全に集中する

集中力を養う

集中を乱す

Often Confused With

集中 vs 注目 (Chūmoku - Attention/Observation)

集中 vs 注意 (Chūi - Caution/Warning)

集中 vs 専念 (Sennen - Dedication/Devotion)

Idioms & Expressions

"一意専心"

"無我夢中"

"全集中"

"心血を注ぐ"

"脇目も振らず"

"一心不乱"

"寝食を忘れる"

"没我の境地"

"全精力を傾ける"

"三昧の境地"

Easily Confused

集中 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Implies an active, deliberate gathering of mental or physical resources to a single point.

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, education, and news.

Common Mistakes

Using the particle を (wo) instead of に (ni) before 集中する.
Translating 'lost concentration' directly as 集中を失う instead of the natural 集中力が切れる.
Using 集中 when you mean 'caution' (注意 - chūi).
Using 集中 when you mean 'observing with interest' (注目 - chūmoku).
Saying 集中力が短い (concentration is short) instead of 集中力が続かない (concentration doesn't continue).

Tips

Always use 'ni'

The most important grammatical rule for this word is to use the particle に (ni) to mark the object of your focus. Never use を (wo). Think of 'ni' as an arrow pointing your brain's energy at the task.

Master Shūchūryoku

Learn the compound noun 集中力 (shūchūryoku - concentration ability). It is used constantly in daily life. Pair it with verbs like 続く (tsudzuku - to last), 切れる (kireru - to break), and 高める (takameru - to raise).

The Juken Culture

In Japan, 'shūchūryoku' is highly valued due to the rigorous 'juken' (entrance exam) culture. You will see many products, from drinks to stationery, marketed specifically to boost a student's shūchūryoku.

Weather Forecasts

Pay attention to Japanese weather forecasts during the summer and typhoon seasons. You will frequently hear the term 集中豪雨 (shūchū gōu), which means localized torrential rain. It's a great way to hear the word in a different context.

Casual Commands

If a friend is distracted while you are trying to explain something, you can playfully say 'ちょっと、集中して！' (Hey, focus!). It's a natural and common way to grab someone's attention back.

Shūchū vs. Chūmoku

Don't confuse focusing on a task (shūchū) with paying attention to a trend or a person (chūmoku). If you are watching a rising star athlete, you are 'chūmoku'ing them. If you are doing your math homework, you are 'shūchū'ing.

Sentaku to Shūchū

If you work in a Japanese corporate environment, learn the phrase 選択と集中 (sentaku to shūchū - selection and concentration). It's a standard business strategy term meaning to select core businesses and concentrate resources on them.

Intensive Actions

When writing about doing something intensely over a short period, use 集中的に (shūchū-teki ni). For example, '週末に集中的に掃除をした' (I cleaned intensively over the weekend).

News Contexts

When reading the news, look out for the word 集中 in articles about demographics or economics. It often describes the problematic gathering of wealth or population in one area, showing its macro-level usage.

Zenitsu's Breathing

If you watch anime like Demon Slayer, you will hear the phrase 全集中 (zen shūchū - total concentration). This is a pop-culture exaggeration of the word, but it perfectly illustrates the concept of gathering all physical and mental energy.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a SHOE (shū) CHEW-ing (chū) on a piece of gum. It takes a lot of FOCUS for a shoe to chew gum!

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

None.

Appropriate for both casual and formal contexts.

Neutral/Standard

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"最近、集中力が続かなくて困っているんですが、何か良い方法はありますか？"

"勉強に集中したい時、どんな音楽を聴きますか？"

"東京への一極集中について、どう思いますか？"

"集中力が切れた時、どうやってリフレッシュしますか？"

"子供の集中力を高めるには、どうすればいいと思いますか？"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time when you were completely focused on something. What were you doing?

What are your biggest distractions, and how do they affect your 集中力?

Describe your ideal environment for concentrating on work or study.

Discuss the pros and cons of population concentration in big cities.

How do you feel about the phrase '選択と集中' (selection and concentration) in your personal life?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a very common mistake. Because 'focus' in English is often transitive (focus your mind), learners try to use 'wo'. However, in Japanese, you are directing your energy *to* a target, so you must use the particle 'ni' (に). For example, 勉強に集中する (focus on studying).

Shūchū (集中) means to concentrate your mental energy on a specific task, like reading a book or taking a test. Chūi (注意) means to be careful, cautious, or aware of your surroundings to avoid danger or mistakes. You use shūchū to get work done, and chūi to avoid tripping on a rock.

The most natural way to say this in Japanese is 集中力が切れた (shūchūryoku ga kireta). Literally, this means 'my concentration ability was cut/snapped.' Do not try to directly translate 'lost' by using words like 失う (ushinau); it sounds unnatural in this context.

No, it is also widely used to describe physical things gathering in one place. For example, 人口の集中 (jinkō no shūchū) means the concentration of population in a city. 集中豪雨 (shūchū gōu) means localized heavy rain. It literally means 'gathering in the center.'

Shūchūryoku (集中力) combines shūchū (concentration) with ryoku (power/ability). It translates to 'ability to concentrate' or 'attention span.' It is a very common noun used when discussing study habits, work efficiency, or the effects of distractions like smartphones.

In a casual setting, you can simply say '集中して！' (Shūchū shite!). If you are a coach or a teacher speaking to a group, you might just yell '集中！' (Shūchū!). In a more polite setting, you would say '集中してください' (Shūchū shite kudasai).

Yes, by adding 的 (teki) and に (ni), it becomes an adverbial phrase: 集中的に (shūchū-teki ni), meaning 'intensively.' For example, 集中的に勉強する (shūchū-teki ni benkyō suru) means 'to study intensively.' You can also use it as a noun modifier: 集中コース (shūchū kōsu - intensive course).

東京一極集中 (Tōkyō ikkyoku shūchū) is a common socio-economic term in Japan. It refers to the over-concentration of the population, political power, and economic resources in the single 'pole' (ikkyoku) of Tokyo, often at the expense of rural areas.

You use the negative potential form of the verb. The phrase is 集中できない (shūchū dekinai) in casual speech, or 集中できません (shūchū dekimasen) in polite speech. You can add a reason before it, like 'うるさくて集中できない' (It's noisy, so I can't concentrate).

The word is made of two kanji. 集 (shū) means 'to gather' or 'collect.' 中 (chū) means 'middle' or 'center.' Together, they literally mean 'to gather in the center,' which perfectly describes the act of focusing scattered thoughts into one central point.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Translate: 'I will focus on my studies.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

勉強に集中します。