Japanese Conversation · Level 122
60 words
Japanese word
凝らす
Pronunciation
Romajikorasu
Meaning
- verbconcentrate
Example
暗い道の先に目を凝らします。kura i michi no saki ni me o ko ra shi ma su
I concentrate my gaze on the dark road ahead.
More examples
職人は展示品に細かな工夫を凝らしています。shoku nin wa ten ji hin ni koma ka na ku fū o ko ra shi te i ma su
The artisan is applying great ingenuity to the exhibit.
Core concept
It centers on directing one's mind and effort into a task, often with careful thought about how to do it.
Common phrases
工夫を凝らすku fū o ko ra su
use creative ideas
知恵を凝らすchi e o ko ra su
use one's ingenuity
趣向を凝らすshu kō o ko ra su
add a creative touch
Similar words
工夫するkufūsuru: To devise a practical way to improve or accomplish something.
励むhagemu: To work diligently and continuously at a task or activity.
専念するsennensuru: To give one's attention mainly to one task or activity.
打ち込むuchikomu: To devote oneself deeply to a task or activity.
Definition in Japanese
心や力を一つの事柄に集中し、工夫しながら熱心に取り組むこと。kokoro ya chikara o hito tsu no koto gara ni shū chū shi ku fū shi na ga ra nes shin ni to ri ku mu ko to
Word origin
凝らす (korasu, "to focus or devise") is the transitive counterpart of 凝る (koru, "to become fixed or absorbed"), expressing focused effort directed toward a task.
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, the verb can describe careful planning behind a polished result, so it applies to creative choices as well as sustained attention.
Other meanings
- apply oneselfverb
- use one's ingenuityverb
Opposites
- 怠るokotaruneglectverb