Japanese word

興じる

Pronunciation

Romajikyōjiru

Meaning

  • verbamuse oneself

Example

友人たちはゲームに興じます。yū jin ta chi wa gē mu ni kyō ji ma su

My friends amuse themselves with games.

Illustration for 興じる (amuse oneself)

More examples

来客たちは食後の会話に興じました。rai kyaku ta chi wa shoku go no kai wa ni kyō ji ma shi ta

The guests engaged in conversation after the meal.

Core concept

Describes becoming absorbed in an activity because it provides amusement or enjoyment.

Common phrases

  • 音楽に興じるon gaku ni kyō ji ru

    amuse oneself with music

  • 会話に興じるkai wa ni kyō ji ru

    engage in conversation

  • 宴に興じるen ni kyō ji ru

    revel at a banquet

Similar words

楽しむtanoshimu: To take pleasure in an activity or experience.
ふけるfukeru: To spend time deeply absorbed in an activity.
遊ぶasobu: To spend time doing something for pleasure rather than work.
満喫するmankitsusuru: To enjoy something fully and thoroughly.

Definition in Japanese

ある物事を面白いものとして楽しむ。a ru mono goto o omo shiro i mo no to shi te tano shi mu

Word origin

The modern verb 興じる (kyōjiru) developed from the related form 興ずる (kyōzuru), whose core meaning comes from 興 (kyō, "amusement").

Usage tips

  • Although English make merry often suggests a group, 興じる (kyōjiru) can describe enjoying an activity alone or with others.

Other meanings

  • make merryverb

Word lists with this word