1.
to be fascinated by; to gaze admiringly; to be captivated
To stare at someone or something in admiration, unable to look away due to beauty or impressiveness. Composed of 見 (look) + 惚れる (to be charmed).
夕焼けに見惚れた。
I gazed admiringly at the sunset.
彼女の踊りに見惚れてしまった。
I was captivated by her dancing.
美術館で一枚の絵に見惚れて、時間を忘れてしまった。
I was so fascinated by a painting at the art museum that I lost track of time.
USAGE:
The subject is the person who is fascinated, and the object of admiration is marked with に. Often used with ～てしまう to emphasize that the admiration was involuntary.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 景色に見惚れる (to be captivated by the scenery)
- 美しさに見惚れる (to be entranced by the beauty)
- つい見惚れる (to find oneself staring admiringly)
- 思わず見惚れる (to gaze in admiration without thinking)
CONJUGATION:
Ichidan verb: 見惚れない, 見惚れます, 見惚れて