Translation guide
The English word "absorption" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common equivalent is 吸収 (kyūshū), used for physical absorption of liquids, nutrients, and also for abstract absorption like knowledge or companies. Other Japanese words apply to specific contexts: mental focus, shock absorption, and market absorption.
To express that a substance, material, or surface takes in something like water, nutrients, light, or sound.
The most general and common word for absorption. Used for liquids, nutrients, light, sound, and also abstract concepts. Can be used as a noun or with する to form a verb.
スポンジが水を吸収する。
A sponge absorbs water.
植物は根から栄養を吸収する。
Plants absorb nutrients through their roots.
Literally 'suck in'. Emphasizes the action of drawing something in, often used for air, smoke, or liquids. More vivid than 吸収.
掃除機がほこりを吸い込む。
The vacuum cleaner sucks up dust.
Specifically means water absorption. Often used in technical or product descriptions (e.g., towels, diapers).
このタオルは吸水が良い。
This towel has good water absorption.
To describe taking in and understanding information, learning, or assimilating cultural elements.
Same word as physical absorption, but used metaphorically. Very common for learning and assimilation.
子供は新しい言葉をどんどん吸収する。
Children absorb new words quickly.
彼は海外の文化を吸収しようとしている。
He is trying to absorb foreign culture.
Means 'to adopt' or 'incorporate'. Used when actively bringing in ideas, methods, or trends, rather than passively absorbing.
Literally 'learn and take'. Emphasizes actively learning and making something one's own. Somewhat literary.
To describe a merger or takeover where one entity absorbs another.
Used in business contexts for mergers and acquisitions. Often appears as 吸収合併 (kyūshū gappei, absorption-type merger).
大手企業が中小企業を吸収した。
The large corporation absorbed the small company.
吸収合併により、社員数が増えた。
Due to the absorption merger, the number of employees increased.
Means 'integration' or 'merger'. Less about one-sided absorption and more about combining into one. Often used in IT or organizational restructuring.
To describe being completely engrossed or absorbed in something, losing track of surroundings.
Noun meaning immersion or being absorbed in something. Used with する. Often implies a positive, passionate focus.
彼は研究に没頭している。
He is absorbed in his research.
Na-adjective meaning 'crazy about' or 'absorbed in'. Very common in casual speech. Often used for hobbies or entertainment.
Similar to 夢中, but often implies enthusiasm and dedication over a period. Used with する.
To describe a material or mechanism that reduces impact or vibration.
Compound noun specifically for shock absorption. Used in product descriptions (shoes, car bumpers, etc.).
この靴は衝撃吸収に優れている。
These shoes have excellent shock absorption.
Means 'buffering' or 'cushioning'. Often used in engineering or figurative contexts (e.g., buffer zone).
緩衝材で包む。
Wrap it in shock-absorbing material.
To describe the ability of a market to take in goods or securities.
Also used in economics for market absorption. Often appears in phrases like 市場吸収 (shijō kyūshū).
市場は新発債を十分に吸収した。
The market fully absorbed the new bond issue.
While 吸収 can be used for absorbing knowledge, it is not used for being absorbed in an activity. For that, use 没頭, 夢中, or 熱中.
吸収 implies a more passive or automatic taking in, while 取り入れる suggests an active decision to adopt or incorporate something. For cultural or business practices, 取り入れる is often more natural when there is a deliberate choice.
日本の企業は欧米の経営手法を取り入れた。
Japanese companies absorbed Western management techniques.
彼は師匠の技術をすべて学び取った。
He absorbed all of his master's techniques.
二つの部署を統合する。
We will absorb the two departments (into one).
The children are absorbed in the game.
彼女は切手集めに熱中している。
She is absorbed in stamp collecting.
Literally 'forget oneself'. Means to be so absorbed that you lose self-awareness. Stronger and more literary.
彼は音楽に我を忘れた。
He was so absorbed in the music that he forgot himself.