Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Concentrate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "concentrate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
集中する
しゅうちゅうする (shūchū suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
凝らす
こらす (korasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "concentrate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 集中する and 凝らす.
In Japanese, 集中する (しゅうちゅうする (shūchū suru)) is typically associated with "to concentrate; to focus; to converge; to centralize" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to focusing attention, mental energy, or efforts onto a single task or point. Often used as 勉強に集中する or 一点に集中する. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To concentrate! "Your profile is so beautiful that I can't concentrate on my work, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To blame your lack of focus on me! B-Baka! Don't look at me during work! But... once work is over, you are obligated to concentrate 100% of your attention on me forever! Understood?!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『しゅうちゅう（集中）するよ！『ハルカさんのオフィスでの凛とした横顔が綺麗すぎて、全然仕事に集中できません！』って…っ！人のせいにするなんてバカ！オフィスでは仕事に集中しなさい！…でも、終業のベルが鳴ったら、私のことだけに24時間365日、全力で意識を集中させなさいよね！』.
On the other hand, 凝らす (こらす (korasu)) maps to "to concentrate, to strain (eyes), to elaborate, to devise (something with ingenuity)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To focus intently or with great effort on something, often involving detailed thought or physical straining. A literal translation of "concentrate" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "集中する"
静かな図書館の個室など、周囲の雑音やスマートフォンの通知から完全に遮断された環境こそが、難解な勉強に深く_______のに最も適しています。
An environment completely cut off from surrounding noise and smartphone notifications, such as a private room in a quiet library, is most suitable for concentrating deeply on difficult study.
Bilingual Context for "凝らす"
暗闇の中で目を凝らして、遠くの景色を見た。
I strained my eyes in the darkness to see the distant scenery.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "静かな図書館の個室など、周囲の雑音やスマートフォンの通知から完全に遮断された環境こそが、難解な勉強に深く_______のに最も適しています。" (Meaning: "An environment completely cut off from surrounding noise and smartphone notifications, such as a private room in a quiet library, is most suitable for concentrating deeply on difficult study.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "集中する" fits here because it means "to concentrate; to focus; to converge; to centralize" in the context of: "An environment completely cut off from surrounding noise and smartphone notifications, such as a private room in a quiet library, is most suitable for concentrating deeply on difficult study.". "凝らす" represents "to concentrate, to strain (eyes), to elaborate, to devise (something with ingenuity)".