1.
to become stiff; to stiffen (muscles)
used for muscles that have tensed up due to fatigue or strain
肩が凝った。
My shoulders are stiff.
長時間パソコンを使うと首が凝る。
My neck gets stiff when I use the computer for a long time.
肩が凝って頭も痛くなってきた。
My shoulders are stiff and I'm getting a headache too.
2.
to be absorbed in; to be obsessed with; to be elaborate
to put great effort into something, often to an excessive degree
あの人は料理に凝っている。
That person is really into cooking.
凝ったデザインの家具を買った。
I bought elaborately designed furniture.
彼女は最近カメラに凝っていて毎日写真を撮っている。
She's been really into cameras lately and takes photos every day.
SENSE 1 - MUSCLE STIFFNESS:
- 肩が凝る (stiff shoulders) - very common expression
- 首が凝る (stiff neck)
- Common in Japan due to long work hours
SENSE 2 - BEING ABSORBED:
- に凝る / に凝っている (to be into something)
- 凝った + noun = elaborate, intricate
- 凝り性 (obsessive personality)
TRANSITIVITY:
- Intransitive (自動詞)
- Related transitive: 凝らす (to concentrate, focus)