Meaning
to concentrate; to focus; to be absorbed in
Nuance & Usage
集中する means to concentrate one's attention or energy on something. Common expressions: 勉強に集中する (concentrate on studying), 集中力 (shuuchuuiryoku — concentration/focus ability), 集中できない (can't concentrate), 集中して (with concentration, attentively). The phrase 集中力が切れる (one's concentration breaks) describes losing focus. In academic contexts, 集中講義 (intensive course) uses the same word. 集中豪雨 (intense localized rain) is a weather term using this word.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 集中する (to concentrate one's focus) with 注目する (chuumoku suru — to pay attention to/focus attention on, more outward) or 専念する (sensen suru — to devote oneself completely). 集中する is about mental concentration; 注目する is about directing attention (especially toward something specific or a topic of interest). Also: 集中 takes に for the thing being focused on: 仕事に集中する (focus on work).
Example Sentences
試験の前は他のことを考えず、勉強に集中します。
しけんのまえはほかのことをかんがえず、べんきょうにしゅうちゅうします。
Before exams, I focus on studying without thinking about other things.
騒がしい場所では集中するのが難しいです。
さわがしいばしょではしゅうちゅうするのがむずかしいです。
It's difficult to concentrate in noisy places.
今、大事な話をしているので、集中して聞いてください。
いま、たいじなはなしをしているので、しゅうちゅうしてきいてください。
I'm talking about something important right now, so please listen carefully.
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