UTTO-RI うっとり
Meanings
Describes being pleasantly captivated by something beautiful, attractive, or delightful—so absorbed in the pleasure that you almost forget yourself.
Examples
I became completely captivated when I saw my favorite actor right in front of me.
好きな俳優を目の前にうっとりとする。
I listened to the music, utterly entranced.
うっとりと音楽にききほれる。
Dogmatic Opinion
UTTO-RI is a sustained, pleasant state brought on by seeing—or sometimes imagining—something beautiful that is outside ordinary everyday experience. The object might be an admired actor or idol, a jewel, a beautiful moon, or an exquisite melody.
However beautiful they may be, young children are not normally the sort of thing one describes oneself as gazing at UTTO-RI. Saying “I love children; just looking at them leaves me entranced” would create a very different and rather alarming impression. Hikaru Genji is another story.
In stereotypical descriptions, it is often women who are portrayed as becoming UTTO-RI.
UTTO-RI also feels static and contemplative. Sex or a massage may be pleasurable, but I would not normally describe the pleasure itself as UTTO-RI.
Compared with simply “liking” something, UTTO-RI more strongly suggests that your attention has been drawn completely into the object and remains there for a while.
Proximate Expression
Be enraptured/charmed/rapt/enchanted/bewitched/entranced/enthralled/fascinated
Related Words
For Japanese Learners
Enchanted, entranced, captivated, enraptured, and lost in admiration are useful equivalents. UTTO-RI is stronger than merely liking or enjoying something: the person is absorbed in admiration or pleasant fascination, often while looking or listening quietly.
