ドハマり
Meaning
Being deeply obsessed with or addicted to something — falling completely head over heels for a hobby, show, or interest.
ドハマり is what happens when casual interest turns into full-blown obsession. The ド prefix cranks up the intensity of ハマる (to get hooked), producing a word that captures the feeling of being completely consumed by a new drama, game, artist, or hobby. It is almost always used about entertainment and hobbies rather than people, and usually carries a self-aware, half-joking tone.
Examples
- 最近韓国ドラマにドハマりして毎晩夜更かししてる。 I've been totally hooked on Korean dramas lately and staying up late every night.
- このゲームにドハマりしたら人生終わるぞ。 If you get addicted to this game it's game over for your life.
- 推しのアイドルにドハマりして貯金全部溶かした。 I got so obsessed with my favorite idol that I burned through all my savings.
Usage Guide
Context: friends, social media, hobbies, entertainment
Tone: enthusiastic, self-deprecating
Do Say
- ドハマりしすぎて寝不足なんだよね。 (I'm so obsessed I'm sleep-deprived.)
- この漫画ドハマり注意だよ、止まらなくなるから。 (Warning: this manga is addictive — you won't be able to stop.)
Don't Say
- 仕事中に「新しいゲームにドハマり中です」は不真面目に見える (Saying 'I'm deep into a new game' at work makes you look unserious)
Common Mistakes
- Using ドハマり for romantic obsession with a person — it is primarily used for hobbies, media, and entertainment, not for people directly
Origin & History
Compound of ド (do, an intensifying prefix from 度, meaning 'degree') and ハマり (hamari, the noun form of ハマる, to get hooked/fall into). The combination emphasises extreme levels of obsession. Common since the 2000s-2010s with the rise of internet and otaku culture.
Cultural Context
Era: 2000s-2010s, internet and otaku culture influence
Generation: Teens to 40s
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Frequently seen on social media and in entertainment reviews.
Related Phrases
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