Entry
うっとり
uttori
Describes a state of being completely captivated or enchanted by something beautiful, often looking dreamy.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Uttori represents being so fascinated or deeply moved by beauty—such as art, music, or a person—that you forget yourself. It conveys a dreamy, spellbound, or raptly attentive state, where one's mind is completely absorbed by the pleasant experience.
- Captivated by beauty
- In a dreamy state
Sense Map
Enchanted / Mesmerized
Being deeply moved and captivated by beautiful sights or sounds.
美しい歌声にうっとりする。
Dreamy / Lost in thought
Looking absentminded because one's mind is absorbed in a pleasant fantasy or memory.
彼女はうっとりと空を見つめていた。
Usage Note
How to Use
うっとりする
Used as a verb meaning 'to be enchanted' or 'to be mesmerized'.
うっとりと + verb
Adverbial usage with 'to', describing the dreamy or fascinated manner in which an action is performed (e.g., gazing).
うっとり + verb
Direct adverbial usage without 'to', directly modifying the following verb.
How to Use
Common Phrases
うっとりする
to be enchanted
うっとり見とれる
to gaze in fascination
うっとり聴き入る
to listen with rapt attention
うっとりした表情
a dreamy expression
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Experiencing beautiful art or scenery | positive | Emphasizes the deep emotional impact and loss of self-awareness. |
| Looking dreamy or absent-minded to others | neutral | Can describe someone who looks lost in a pleasant thought or fantasy. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぼーっと ぼーっと / contrast | Use to describe zoning out or being blank without any particular emotional stimulus. | Does not involve fascination or beauty; often implies being tired or unfocused. | ぼーっとテレビを見る。 |
めろめろ めろめろ / similar | Use when someone is helplessly and madly in love or doting on someone/something. | Uttori is more about aesthetic appreciation and a dreamy state, whereas meromero is active doting and infatuation. | 子猫にメロメロになる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe zoning out because you are sleepy.
Uttori requires a beautiful or pleasant stimulus. For simply zoning out, use ぼーっと (bootto).
Using it to mean crazy in love with a partner.
While it can be used for admiring someone's beauty, active infatuation or doting is better described by メロメロ (meromero).
Examples
Examples
彼女は美しいピアノの音色にうっとりしていた。
かのじょはうつくしいピアノのねいろにうっとりしていた。
She was mesmerized by the beautiful piano sound.
LiteralShows fascination by sound (auditory).
夜景の美しさに、思わずうっとりする。
やけいのうつくしさに、おもわずうっとりする。
I am unconsciously enchanted by the beauty of the night view.
VisualA visual example of being captivated by beautiful scenery.
彼は大好きな俳優を見て、うっとりとしている。
かれはだいすきなはいゆうをみて、うっとりとしている。
He is gazing in fascination at his favorite actor.
VisualAdmiring someone's appearance or presence.
王子様の物語を読みながら、少女はうっとり夢見心地だった。
おうじさまのものがたりをよみながら、しょうじょはうっとりゆめみごこちだった。
While reading the prince's story, the girl was in a dreamy, spellbound state.
FigurativeDescribes a dreamy state absorbed in a fantasy.
花の香りにうっとり目を閉じる。
はなのかおりにうっとりめをとじる。
I close my eyes, captivated by the scent of the flowers.
LiteralFascination can also be triggered by the sense of smell.
Similar Words
ぼーっと
bootto
A state of being mentally unfocused, seeing things dimly, or a sudden flaring of flames. For zoning out or having a blank mind without a beautiful stimulus.
メロメロ
meromero
Describes a state of losing one's judgment or composure due to being completely overcome by affection or infatuation. Leans toward active infatuation or doting.
Questions
Is uttori only used for visual things?
No, it is frequently used for auditory experiences like music, or even scents.
Is uttori a positive word?
Yes, it almost always describes a pleasant, positive state of fascination.
Can I use uttori for being tired and zoning out?
No, uttori implies being lost in beauty. For being tired and blank, use bootto.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1631640
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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