Which one should you use?
The phrase 集中して is a soft command or request. For a much harsher and more forceful command, often used by superiors or in high-stress situations, you would use 集中しろ. To suggest a shared goal, you can use 集中しよう to mean "let's stay focused".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
集中して functions as a soft command or request, making it suitable for coaching or giving instructions to peers or subordinates. For a formal and polite request, use 集中してください. Other formal variations include 注意力を持ち続けてください (please keep/maintain your concentration), 一点に集中してください (please focus on one point) and 心を集中させてください (please concentrate your mind). The form 集中しろ is informal and much more forceful.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding ください to the end of a phrase like 集中してください changes the command into a polite request rather than a direct command.
How do you pronounce it?
shūchū shite
Did you know?
- The term 一点集中 refers to focusing on a single point and originated in Zen meditation before becoming common Japanese business jargon.
- In Japanese, the phrase for 'stay focused' is often expressed as 気を引き締める, which literally translates to 'tightening one's spirit'.
- In many professional settings, instead of telling someone to 'stay focused', a boss might say 意識を高めて (ishiki o takamete), which literally means 'raise your consciousness' or 'raise your awareness'.
Examples in context
- 今日のタスクに集中しないと間に合わないよ。We won't make it unless we stay focused on today's tasks.
- もっと集中して。Motto shūchū shite.Stay more focused.
- 今は集中して作業して。Ima wa shūchū shite sagyō shite.Stay focused on your work right now.
- 最後まで集中して頑張ろう。Saigo made shūchū shite ganbarō.Let's stay focused and do our best until the end.
Example conversation
A student is studying for an exam at a desk.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、もっと集中して。Yōta, motto shūchū shite.Yota, stay more focused.
- 陽太 Yotaわかった、集中するよ。Wakatta, shūchū suru yo.Okay, I'll focus.
- 陽葵 Himari集中して、試験は近いよ。Shūchū shite, shiken wa chikai yo.Stay focused, the exam is coming soon.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、頑張るね。Arigatō, ganbaru ne.Thanks, I'll do my best.
