During the COVID-19 lockdown, I found myself totally hooked on Korean TV dramas. You know that feeling when you can’t stop thinking about something, and it’s all you want to do, watch, or talk about? That’s what the Japanese word 夢中 (むちゅう, muchū) is all about!

「夢中(むちゅう)」 describes being deeply absorbed in or obsessed with something. That could be a new hobby, your favorite artist, or even just a delicious new snack you can’t get enough of. When you’re in 「夢中」, it’s like the rest of the world disappears for a while.

So, tell me—what’s your 「夢中」 right now?

テイラー・スウィフトに夢中です。

I'm obsessed with Taylor Swift.

子供たちは外で夢中に遊んでいる。

The children, completely absorbed, are playing outside.

弟はそのビデオ・ゲームに夢中です。

My brother is crazy about that that video game.

先生のお話に夢中になる。

I became immersed in my teacher's conversation.

When these kanji come together as 「夢中」, you can imagine being so absorbed in something that it feels like you’re "within a dream." Symbolizing intense focus and obsession.

The term 「ハマっている」 has become a trendy way to express being really into something, whether it’s a hobby, a show, or an activity. It’s a casual, slangy phrase that younger people often use in conversations with friends or family. Think of it as saying “I’m hooked on” or “I’m obsessed with” in English.

On the other hand, 「夢中」 conveys a similar idea of being deeply engrossed in something, but it carries a more formal tone. You’ll likely hear it in more serious or professional contexts, like in literature or polite conversation.

There are other meanings for「夢中」, such as “losing oneself; being in a daze” or “within a dream; while dreaming”. However, these are not as applicable to the JLPT N3 and less common in everyday use.

The idea of "losing oneself" is more commonly expressed with the phrase 「無我夢中(むがむちゅう)」, which conveys being completely absorbed in something. On the other hand, expressions like "within a dream" or "while dreaming" are more typically conveyed using 「夢(ゆめ)に」, as in "in a dream." While 「夢中」 can carry a similar nuance, it is more formal and somewhat old-fashioned, often appearing in novels or poetry.