執念
shūnen
The English word obsession is translated into Japanese as 執念 (shūnen).
執念 refers to a compulsive or irrational preoccupation. While it can describe a psychological obsession, it often carries a nuance of strong, persistent determination or a grudge that one refuses to let go of.
Meaning: compulsive or irrational preoccupation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 執 (to hold/grasp) and 念 (thought/feeling/attachment).
Which one should you use?
執念 (shūnen) often implies a powerful, driving force or a grudge. In contrast, 執着 (shūchaku) is more commonly used for a psychological fixation or an unhealthy attachment to something.
How do you pronounce it?
shūnen
Did you know?
- In Japanese ghost stories, a spirit may remain in the human world because of 執念 (shūnen), which acts as a powerful emotional tether or grudge that prevents them from passing on.
- In Japanese pop culture, particularly in anime and manga, the term 執念 (shūnen) is frequently used to describe a character's supernatural willpower or a relentless, almost ghostly, persistence.
- The kanji 念 (nen) in 執念 (shūnen) is also used in the word 念願 (nengan), which describes a long-cherished wish or a dream that someone has spent years trying to achieve.
Examples in context
- 彼はそのアーティストの作品に執着している。He is obsessed with that artist's works.
- 彼はゲームに首ったけだ。He is obsessed with games.
- 彼の犯人への執念はすごい。Kare no hannin e no shuunen wa sugoi.His obsession with catching the criminal is amazing.
- 勝利への執念が彼を動かした。Shouri e no shuunen ga kare o ugokashita.His obsession with victory drove him.
- それはただの執念にすぎない。Sore wa tada no shuunen ni suginai.That is nothing more than an obsession.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are discussing a character in a mystery novel.
- 蓮 Ren犯人を追う執念が凄まじいね。Hannin o ou shuunen ga susamajii ne.His obsession with chasing the criminal is intense, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiええ、少し怖いくらいです。Ee, sukoshi kowai kurai desu.Yes, it is almost a little scary.
- 蓮 Ren執念が成功に繋がることもあるよ。Shuunen ga seikou ni tsunagaru koto mo aru yo.Sometimes obsession can lead to success, too.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんはそう思いますか？Ren-san wa sou omoimasu ka?Do you think so, Ren?
