Translation guide
The English verb "devote" is used to express dedicating time, effort, or resources to a purpose, or to describe something being entirely given over to a particular use. Japanese uses different verbs and patterns depending on what is being devoted and the nuance of dedication.
Expressing that someone dedicates their time, energy, or life to an activity, cause, or goal.
The most direct equivalent for 'devote' in the sense of dedicating one's life, time, or effort to something important. Often used for noble causes, work, or love.
彼は生涯を教育に捧げた。
He devoted his life to education.
彼女は研究に全ての時間を捧げている。
She devotes all her time to research.
Means to concentrate or devote oneself exclusively to something. Often used for work, studies, or a specific task.
彼は小説の執筆に専念している。
He is devoting himself to writing a novel.
今は仕事に専念したい。
I want to devote myself to work right now.
Implies throwing oneself into an activity with passion and energy. More casual than 捧げる and often used for hobbies or personal projects.
彼は趣味のギターに打ち込んでいる。
He devotes himself to his hobby of playing guitar.
彼女はボランティア活動に打ち込んでいる。
She devotes herself to volunteer work.
Focuses on spending or expending time, money, or effort on something. Often used when the resource is limited.
彼はそのプロジェクトに多くの時間を費やした。
He devoted a lot of time to that project.
彼女は研究に全財産を費やした。
She devoted her entire fortune to research.
A more intense and literary expression meaning to devote one's body and soul. Often used for sacrifice or total commitment.
彼は国のために身を捧げた。
He devoted himself (sacrificed himself) for his country.
Expressing that a resource, space, or item is set aside or used exclusively for a particular purpose.
Means to allocate or set aside something for a specific use. Commonly used for money, time, or space.
収益の一部を慈善事業に充てる。
They devote a portion of the profits to charity.
この部屋は書斎に充てられている。
This room is devoted to use as a study.
Means to spare or set aside time/space from a limited resource. Often used when making room in a busy schedule.
忙しい中、時間を割いてくれてありがとう。
Thank you for devoting time out of your busy schedule.
Similar to 充てる, but slightly more casual. Means to assign or allot something for a purpose.
Describing a person who is dedicated, loyal, or committed to someone or something.
An adjective meaning devoted, self-sacrificing, or dedicated. Often used to describe a person's character or actions.
彼女は献身的な看護師だ。
She is a devoted nurse.
彼の献身的な介護に感謝している。
I am grateful for his devoted care.
Means enthusiastic, keen, or devoted. Often used for hobbies, studies, or religious faith.
彼は熱心な仏教徒だ。
He is a devoted Buddhist.
熱心な読書家として知られている。
He is known as a devoted reader.
Means single-minded, wholehearted, or devoted. Often used for love or a single-minded pursuit.
彼女は彼に一途な愛を注いだ。
She devoted her wholehearted love to him.
捧げる (sasageru) implies a noble or serious dedication, often lifelong. 専念する (sennensuru) focuses on concentration and exclusive effort, often temporary. 打ち込む (uchikomu) is more emotional and passionate, used for hobbies or personal interests.
English 'devote' is often used in patterns like 'devote oneself to ~ing'. Japanese does not have a single verb that covers all uses. Choose the verb based on the nuance: 捧げる for dedication, 専念する for concentration, 費やす for spending resources, etc.
新聞は一面をその事件に割いた。
The newspaper devoted the front page to the incident.
I plan to devote my bonus to travel.