三 昧(ざんまい)

ざんまい

suffix

absorbed in; indulging in

1. -absorption; -indulgence

A suffix attached to nouns indicating being completely absorbed in or indulging in that activity. Often used for leisure or enjoyable activities.

休日(きゅうじつ)は読書三昧(どくしょざんまい)で過(す)ごした。

I spent the holiday immersed in reading.

お正月(しょうがつ)は贅沢三昧(ぜいたくざんまい)だった。

New Year's was a time of total indulgence.

ゲーム三昧(ざんまい)の毎日(まいにち)を送(おく)っている。

I spend every day absorbed in video games.

三昧(ざんまい) comes from Buddhist terminology (三昧(さんまい)) meaning deep meditation.

COMMON COMBINATIONS:

読書三昧(どくしょざんまい): absorbed in reading
贅沢三昧(ぜいたくざんまい): living in luxury
ゲーム三昧(ざんまい): absorbed in games
酒(さけ)三昧(ざんまい): indulging in alcohol
温泉(おんせん)三昧(ざんまい): indulging in hot springs

USAGE NOTE:
This suffix typically implies enjoyment and satisfaction in the activity, though it can sometimes carry a slightly self-indulgent or excessive nuance.

general

Added 2026.1.16 23:51 · Revised 2026.6.9 6:08

05500/05931_zanmai