Translation guide
The English verb "engage" has several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical categories for Japanese learners, from attracting attention to participating in activities, with natural Japanese equivalents.
To make someone interested or involved in something, such as a conversation, activity, or content.
Literally 'to pull toward', used for attracting attention or interest. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼の話は聴衆を引きつけた。
His speech engaged the audience.
Means 'to make someone absorbed in'. Often used for activities or hobbies that fully engage someone.
そのゲームは子供たちを夢中にさせた。
The game engaged the children completely.
Literally 'to pull interest'. A straightforward way to say something engages one's interest.
その記事は私の興味を引いた。
The article engaged my interest.
To take part in an activity, discussion, or process.
The most common and neutral word for 'participate' or 'take part in'. Suitable for events, meetings, activities.
彼は積極的に議論に参加した。
He actively engaged in the discussion.
Formal term for 'be engaged in' work, research, or a profession. Often used in written or official contexts.
彼は医療研究に従事している。
He is engaged in medical research.
Implies being involved in a project or field, often with a sense of commitment. Common in business and professional contexts.
To arrange for someone to work for you, often for a specific task.
General term for 'hire' or 'employ'. Used for both temporary and permanent employment.
会社は新しいエンジニアを雇った。
The company engaged a new engineer.
Formal term for 'hire' or 'recruit', often used in corporate HR contexts.
彼らは経験豊富な弁護士を採用した。
They engaged an experienced lawyer.
To become engaged to be married.
The standard term for 'get engaged' (to marry). Used as a verb.
彼らは去年婚約した。
They got engaged last year.
Means 'to be engaged' (state). Literally 'in the middle of engagement'.
彼女は今婚約中です。
She is currently engaged.
To begin fighting with an enemy or opponent.
Formal military term for 'engage in battle'. Used in news reports and historical contexts.
部隊は敵と交戦した。
The troops engaged the enemy.
Literally 'enter into combat'. A more descriptive phrase.
両軍は激しい戦闘に入った。
The two armies engaged in fierce combat.
To cause parts of a machine to fit together and start working.
Used for gears or mechanical parts that engage with each other. Intransitive.
ギアがかみ合わない。
The gears don't engage.
Transitive version: to engage gears or parts deliberately.
The English verb 'engage' covers many distinct concepts. Do not assume a single Japanese word fits all. Always consider the specific meaning you want to convey.
参加する is for general participation (events, discussions). 従事する is formal and used for professional or research engagement. 携わる implies deeper involvement in a field or project, often with a sense of contribution.
彼女は環境保護活動に携わっている。
She is engaged in environmental conservation activities.
クラッチをかみ合わせてください。
Please engage the clutch.