How to Say "Concentrate" in Japanese

集中する

shūchū-suru

The English verb "concentrate" can be translated into Japanese as 集中する (shūchū-suru).

集中する is used to express the act of focusing one's thoughts or attention on a specific task or subject.

Meaning: focus one's thought or attention (verb)

How do you pronounce it?

shūchū-suru

While English speakers might say they are 'zoning out', Japanese speakers might describe the opposite of 集中する as 気が散る ('ki ga chiru'), meaning their 'spirit' or 'energy' is scattering.
While 集中する is the standard term for mental focus, if you are talking about concentration in a chemical or liquid sense, Japanese often uses the word 濃縮する instead.
The kanji 集 in 集中する depicts a bird gathering, while 中 means 'center'. Together, they create a visual image of many things flocking toward a single point.

良いボールボーイやボールガールは精神を集中することができ、また、速く走ることができなければならない。
A good ballboy or ballgirl must be able to concentrate hard and run fast.
This sentence shows how to use 集中する in the context of mental focus and physical speed.
Tatoeba #77893 by mookeee, translation #325825 by CM
大切なプレゼンテーションに専念しています。
I am concentrating on an important presentation.
勉強に集中しています。
I am concentrating on my studies.
彼はゲームに熱中している。
He is concentrating/obsessed with gaming.
彼は音楽に夢中で、周りが見えない。
He's so absorbed in music that he can't see anything around him.
今は勉強に集中する時間です。
Ima wa benkyou ni shuuchuu suru jikan desu.
Now is the time to concentrate on studying.