集中

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: It is read しゅうちゅう. 集 contributes gathering and 中 a center, forming a word for directing attention or effort toward one focus.
• Basic usage: It describes directing attention, as in being unable to focus on reading because of surrounding noise.
  • 周りの音が気になって、読書に集中できなかった。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Marking the focus of attention
  • In 読書に集中する, に marks the activity receiving attention.
  • When attention itself is what is being directed, を can be used, as in 注意を集中する.