(むちゅう)

むちゅう
noun / na-adjective
absorbed, engrossed, crazy about
1. absorbed, engrossed
Being completely focused on something to the exclusion of all else.
ゲーム夢中(むちゅう)なっている
I'm absorbed in the game.
夢中(むちゅう)(はし)った
I ran frantically (without thinking).
Adverbial use
The children were completely absorbed in playing in the sandbox.
2. crazy about, hooked on
Being extremely enthusiastic about something.
ゲーム夢中(むちゅう)なっている
I'm absorbed in the game.
He's crazy about her.
My daughter is crazy about idols lately and watches videos every day.

Literally means "in a dream" ((ゆめ) = dream, (ちゅう) = inside).

USAGE PATTERNS:

  • 夢中(むちゅう)なる (to become absorbed in ~)
  • 夢中(むちゅう) (to be crazy about ~)
  • 夢中(むちゅう)する (to do ~ frantically/absently)

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

NUANCE:
夢中(むちゅう) can imply being so focused that one loses awareness of surroundings or time, similar to being in a trance or dreamlike state.