Translation guide
The English word 'focusing' can refer to concentrating attention, adjusting a lens or camera, or emphasizing a particular aspect. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
仕事に集中しています。
I'm focusing on my work.
ピントを合わせてください。
Focus the camera.
To direct one's mind or effort toward a specific task, topic, or goal.
The most common and versatile way to say 'focus' or 'concentrate' on something. Used for mental focus, studying, work, etc.
試験勉強に集中している。
I'm focusing on studying for the exam.
I can't focus on work.
To devote oneself entirely to something, often implying a longer-term or exclusive focus. Slightly more formal than 集中する.
彼は研究に専念している。
He is focusing on his research.
To pay attention to or focus one's attention on something, often used for public attention or noticing details.
その問題に注目が集まっている。
Attention is focusing on that issue.
Literally 'to shine a spotlight on', used metaphorically to mean 'focus on' a topic or issue, often in discussions or presentations.
今日は環境問題に焦点を当てます。
Today we will focus on environmental issues.
To make an image clear by adjusting the focus of a camera, microscope, or other optical device.
The standard phrase for focusing a camera or optical instrument. ピント comes from the Dutch word 'brandpunt'.
カメラのピントを被写体に合わせる。
Focus the camera on the subject.
A more technical term for focusing, used in optics and physics. Also used metaphorically.
顕微鏡の焦点を合わせる。
Focus the microscope.
To give special importance or prominence to something in speech, writing, or thought.
To emphasize or stress a point. Commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は安全性の重要性を強調した。
He emphasized the importance of safety.
To place emphasis or priority on something. Often used in business or educational contexts.
このプロジェクトでは品質に重点を置いている。
We are focusing on quality in this project.
集中する is for short-term concentration on a task, while 専念する implies devoting oneself to something over a period of time, often exclusively.
今は勉強に集中している。
I'm focusing on studying right now.
彼は小説の執筆に専念している。
He is devoting himself to writing a novel.
The loanword フォーカスする is mainly used for camera focus or metaphorical 'focus' in business contexts. For concentrating your mind, use 集中する.
集中してください。
Please focus.