What does it mean word for word?
The word 专注 is composed of 专 (zhuān), meaning "specialized" or "focused" and 注 (zhù), meaning "to pour into" or "to direct attention to".
Which one should you use?
While 专注 is a standard way to express concentration, other formal phrases offer different nuances. 专心致志 denotes being completely absorbed and engrossed in something, giving undivided attention. 全神贯注 is used to express being fully absorbed in a specific activity. In more common spoken contexts, the synonym 专心 is frequently used, which literally means "to focus one's heart/mind".
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the word as an adverb to describe how an action is being performed, add the particle 地 (de) after 专注 to form 专注地, meaning "concentratedly" or "with concentration".
How do you pronounce it?
zhuān zhù
Did you know?
- The term 专注 contains the character 注, which is the same word used for 'pouring water'. This suggests that in Mandarin, mental focus is conceptually viewed as a liquid stream being directed toward a single point.
- The phrase 全神贯注 uses the word 神, which can mean 'spirit' or 'divine energy'. It implies that deep concentration is not just a mental effort but the act of pouring one's entire spirit into a task.
- In the phrase 专心致志, the character 志 refers to 'will' or 'ambition'. This implies that true concentration in Mandarin culture is tied to having a specific purpose or driving intent.
Examples in context
- 我今天很难集中注意力在工作上。Today, I found it difficult to concentrate on work.
- 她在考试前全神贯注地复习了一个月。She concentrated intensely on revising for the exam for a month.
- 他需要高度的专注。Tā xūyào gāodù de zhuānzhù.He needs a high level of concentration.
- 学习时要保持专注。Xuéxí shí yào bǎochí zhuānzhù.You must maintain concentration while studying.
- 由于缺乏专注，他失败了。Yóuyú quēfá zhuānzhù, tā shībài le.He failed due to a lack of concentration.
Example conversation
A teacher is giving advice to a student in a classroom.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen俊杰，你最近很粗心。Jùnjié, nǐ zuìjìn hěn cūxīn.Junjie, you have been very careless lately.
- 俊杰 Junjie对不起，老师。Duìbuqǐ, lǎoshī.I am sorry, teacher.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你应该在课堂上更加专注。Nǐ yīnggāi zài kètáng shàng gèngjiā zhuānzhù.You should be more focused during class.
- 俊杰 Junjie我会努力改进的。Wǒ huì nǔlì gǎijìn de.I will work hard to improve.
