Translation guide
The English word "focus" covers a wide range of meanings, from concentrating attention to adjusting a camera lens. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on the specific meaning. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners.
To direct one's attention, mental effort, or activity toward a particular task, subject, or goal.
The most common and versatile verb for concentrating one's mind, effort, or resources on something. Used with the particle に to indicate the target.
勉強に集中してください。
Please focus on your studies.
彼は仕事に集中している。
He is focusing on his work.
To devote oneself entirely to something, often implying a single-minded focus over a period of time. More formal than 集中する.
研究に専念したい。
I want to focus on my research.
Literally 'to shine a spotlight on', meaning to focus attention or discussion on a particular topic or issue. Common in presentations and writing.
今日は環境問題に焦点を当てます。
Today we will focus on environmental issues.
To pay attention or notice something. Often used when directing public or media attention. Less about personal concentration and more about noticing or highlighting.
その問題に注目が集まっている。
Attention is focusing on that issue.
To adjust the focus of a camera, microscope, or other optical instrument to make an image clear.
The standard expression for adjusting the focus of a camera or optical device. ピント comes from the Dutch word 'brandpunt'.
カメラのピントを被写体に合わせてください。
Please focus the camera on the subject.
ピントが合っていない。
The focus is off.
The main point of attention, interest, or activity; the central or most important thing.
The most direct translation for 'focus' as a noun meaning the center of interest or attention. Used in both literal and figurative contexts.
議論の焦点は予算です。
The focus of the discussion is the budget.
彼女は注目の焦点だった。
She was the focus of attention.
Means 'center' and can be used to indicate the main focus of an activity or topic. More general than 焦点.
Literally 'target', used figuratively to mean the focus of criticism, attention, or jokes. Often used in set phrases.
The state of being able to see or think clearly; the quality of having clear definition.
Used in phrases like 'in focus' or 'out of focus' for both visual and mental clarity.
この写真は焦点が合っている。
This photo is in focus.
彼の説明は焦点がぼやけている。
His explanation is out of focus.
More colloquial for visual focus, especially in photography. Can be used metaphorically for mental clarity.
今日は頭のピントが合わない。
I can't focus my mind today.
To cause light, sound, or other waves to converge at a single point.
The technical term for rays of light or other waves coming together at a focal point.
レンズが光を焦点に結ぶ。
The lens focuses the light to a point.
A scientific term meaning to converge or focus beams, used in physics and engineering.
電子ビームを集束する。
Focus the electron beam.
Both mean 'to concentrate', but 集中する is for short-term focus on a task, while 専念する implies dedicating oneself to something over a longer period, often exclusively. 専念する is more formal and less common in daily conversation.
試験の前は勉強に集中する。
Before the exam, I focus on studying.
彼は小説の執筆に専念している。
He is devoting himself to writing a novel.
English uses 'focus' in many idiomatic ways that don't directly translate to 焦点 or 集中. For example, 'focus on the positive' might be better expressed as 前向きに考える (think positively) rather than a literal translation. Always consider the natural Japanese expression for the situation.
仕事に集中しなければならない。
I need to focus on my work.
カメラのピントが合っていない。
The camera is out of focus.
今日の会議の焦点は新プロジェクトです。
The focus of today's meeting is the new project.
A more technical or formal term for focusing an optical device, using the word for 'focal point'. Used in scientific contexts.
顕微鏡の焦点を合わせる。
Focus the microscope.
He is the focus of the team.
He became the focus of criticism.