Meaning
To focus one's mind or efforts on something.
Cultural Background
The 'Study Cafe' (스터디카페) culture is built entirely around the need for '집중'. These are quiet, high-end spaces where people pay by the hour to focus on work or study. During the Suneung (CSAT) exam, the entire country focuses on the students' ability to focus. Even airplanes are grounded during the English listening test to ensure silence. The phrase '선택과 집중' (Selection and Focus) is a very common business mantra in Korea, popularized by management theories about focusing limited resources on core strengths. '멍때리기 대회' (Spacing Out Competition) is a real event in Korea where the winner is the person who stays the most 'unfocused' and relaxed for the longest time.
The '이 안 돼' Pattern
If you want to sound natural, use '집중이 안 돼' (Focus isn't happening) instead of '집중할 수 없어' (I can't focus).
Particle Choice
Don't forget the '에'! '공부를 집중하다' is a common beginner mistake.
Meaning
To focus one's mind or efforts on something.
The '이 안 돼' Pattern
If you want to sound natural, use '집중이 안 돼' (Focus isn't happening) instead of '집중할 수 없어' (I can't focus).
Particle Choice
Don't forget the '에'! '공부를 집중하다' is a common beginner mistake.
Focus in Sports
In Korean sports, you'll hear '집중! 집중!' constantly. It's the equivalent of 'Keep your head in the game!'
Hanja Power
Remembering '중' as 'center' will help you understand dozens of other words like '중심' (center), '중간' (middle), and '중요' (important).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle.
저는 지금 한국어 공부(__) 집중하고 있어요.
The verb 집중하다 takes the particle '에' to indicate what you are focusing on.
Which sentence is natural for a student who can't study because of noise?
시끄러워서...
'집중이 안 되다' is the standard expression for 'I can't focus' (it's not happening).
Complete the dialogue.
A: 시험 공부 잘 돼? B: 아니, 자꾸 딴생각이 나서 (____).
If you are having 'other thoughts' (딴생각), it means you cannot focus.
Match the phrase to the situation: '집중력을 높여야 해요.'
When would you say this?
'집중력을 높이다' means to increase your concentration power.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Focus vs. Attention
Practice Bank
4 exercises저는 지금 한국어 공부(__) 집중하고 있어요.
The verb 집중하다 takes the particle '에' to indicate what you are focusing on.
시끄러워서...
'집중이 안 되다' is the standard expression for 'I can't focus' (it's not happening).
A: 시험 공부 잘 돼? B: 아니, 자꾸 딴생각이 나서 (____).
If you are having 'other thoughts' (딴생각), it means you cannot focus.
When would you say this?
'집중력을 높이다' means to increase your concentration power.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends (집중해) or in a speech (집중하십시오).
No, use '초점을 맞추다' for camera focus.
It means 'concentration power' or 'attention span'.
You can say '집중력이 떨어지고 있어요'.
Young people use '빡집중' (hard focus).
Yes, '그 사람에게 집중하세요'.
집중 is focus; 몰입 is total immersion or 'flow'.
Yes, '집중 호우' means heavy rain concentrated in one area.
Both are correct. '집중하다' is more common as a verb.
It's better to use '전문으로 하다' or '주력하다'.
You can say '집중 방해하지 마'.
It means ICU (Intensive Care Unit).
Related Phrases
몰두하다
similarTo be absorbed/immersed in something.
전념하다
similarTo devote oneself entirely to one thing.
주의하다
similarTo pay attention / be careful.
산만하다
contrastTo be distracted / unfocused.
초점을 맞추다
specialized formTo focus a lens / focal point.
