Translation guide
The English verb "absorb" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical soaking to mental focus and financial loss. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being absorbed and how.
To take in a liquid through pores or surface, like a sponge or cloth.
General term for absorbing liquid, light, heat, etc. Often used for physical or scientific contexts.
このタオルは水をよく吸収する。
This towel absorbs water well.
Literally 'suck in'; implies drawing something inwards. Used for liquids, air, or even figurative absorption.
スポンジが水を吸い込んだ。
The sponge absorbed the water.
Simply 'to suck' or 'inhale'. Can be used for absorbing moisture but less precise than 吸収する.
紙がインクを吸う。
The paper absorbs the ink.
To learn or understand something thoroughly, often by reading or listening.
Same word as for physical absorption, but metaphorically extended to knowledge. Very common.
彼は新しい知識をどんどん吸収している。
He is rapidly absorbing new knowledge.
Literally 'attach to one's body'; means to acquire a skill or knowledge through practice. Emphasizes internalization.
留学中に英語を身につけた。
I absorbed English during my study abroad.
Simply 'to understand'. Use when 'absorb' means to fully comprehend.
彼はその概念をすぐに理解した。
He quickly absorbed the concept.
To be completely focused on something, like a book or task.
To be absorbed in something; to be crazy about it. Very natural for hobbies, books, etc.
彼は小説に夢中になっている。
He is absorbed in the novel.
To be immersed or deeply engrossed. Slightly more formal or literary than 夢中になる.
彼女は研究に没頭している。
She is absorbed in her research.
To be enthusiastic and absorbed in something. Often used for hobbies or sports.
子供たちはゲームに熱中している。
The children are absorbed in the game.
To take in and make part of something else, like a company absorbing a smaller one, or a group absorbing new members.
Again the same verb; used for mergers, integration, etc.
大企業が小さな会社を吸収した。
The large corporation absorbed the small company.
Specifically 'to merge'. Used when two entities combine, often in business.
その二つの銀行は合併した。
The two banks were absorbed (merged).
To take in, incorporate. Can be used for absorbing new ideas, members, or data.
To bear a financial burden without passing it on.
To bear or shoulder a cost. Commonly used in business contexts.
会社がその費用を負担した。
The company absorbed the cost.
Also used metaphorically for absorbing costs or losses, though 負担する is more direct.
その損失は予算で吸収できる。
The loss can be absorbed by the budget.
To cushion or reduce the force of a blow or vibration.
Standard term for shock absorption in engineering, sports, etc.
この靴は衝撃をよく吸収する。
These shoes absorb shock well.
To soften or mitigate an impact. More about reducing the effect than taking it in.
エアバッグが衝撃を和らげた。
The airbag absorbed the impact.
While 吸収する can be used for absorbing knowledge, using it for absorbing a person into a group can sound like 'swallowing up' or 'assimilating' in a negative way. For welcoming new members, 受け入れる (うけいれる) or 取り込む (とりこむ) are safer.
All mean 'absorbed in', but 夢中 is most casual and emotional, 没頭 is more serious and often intellectual, and 熱中 implies enthusiasm and energy. 夢中 can also mean 'infatuated'.
新しいメンバーをチームに取り込んだ。
We absorbed new members into the team.