恍惚(こうこつ)

こうこつ
noun, na-adjective, suru verb
ecstasy; rapture; trance
1. ecstasy; rapture; trance
An extreme state of bliss or pleasure where one loses awareness of surroundings. Often used for intense emotional or spiritual experiences.
恍惚(こうこつ)とした表情(ひょうじょう)を浮(う)かべた。
A look of ecstasy appeared on their face.
恍惚(こうこつ)状態(じょうたい)に陥(おちい)った。
They fell into a state of rapture.
美(うつく)しい音楽(おんがく)に恍惚(こうこつ)となる。
I become entranced by the beautiful music.
2. senility; dementia (old usage)
An older usage referring to mental confusion associated with old age. Now less common but still found in literature.

恍惚(こうこつ) describes an intense, trance-like state of bliss.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 恍惚(こうこつ)とする: to be in ecstasy
  • 恍惚(こうこつ)とした表情(ひょうじょう): an ecstatic expression
  • 恍惚(こうこつ)状態(じょうたい): state of rapture/trance

NOTE: The older meaning of "senility" comes from the famous novel 『恍惚(こうこつ)の人(ひと)』 (The Twilight Years) by Ariyoshi Sawako, which dealt with elderly dementia.

general
Added 2026.1.17 6:25 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06000/06002_koukotsu