1.
to fall in love with, to be smitten by
To develop romantic feelings for someone, typically in a spontaneous and somewhat passionate way. More colloquial and direct than 恋をする.
彼に惚れてしまった。
I fell for him.
一目惚れだった。
It was love at first sight.
彼女の笑顔に惚れて、付き合い始めた。
I fell for her smile and we started going out.
2.
to be captivated by, to be charmed by
To be deeply impressed or captivated by someone's skill, personality, or some quality of a thing. Not necessarily romantic.
彼の腕前に惚れた。
I was captivated by his skill.
この景色には惚れ惚れする。
This scenery is enchanting.
職人の見事な技に惚れ込んで、弟子入りした。
I was so captivated by the craftsman's splendid technique that I became his apprentice.
USAGE:
A direct, somewhat informal word for falling in love or being captivated. More spontaneous and passionate than 好きになる. Often implies being struck by sudden attraction.
COMPOUNDS:
- 一目惚れ: love at first sight
- 惚れ込む: to fall deeply in love / to be thoroughly captivated
- 惚れ惚れする: to be enchanted, to gaze in admiration
- 惚れた弱み: the weakness of being in love
GRAMMAR:
Ichidan verb. Intransitive. Takes に for the object of affection: Xに惚れる.