にかまけて is used to express that someone is so preoccupied or absorbed with one thing that they neglect other important matters. It carries a negative connotation, implying that the person's focus on one thing is causing them to fail in their other responsibilities or duties.
The noun before にかまけて is typically something that consumes one's time or attention – work, play, busyness, childcare, etc. The clause that follows describes what is being neglected as a result.
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I was so caught up in work that I couldn't make time for my family.
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I was too absorbed in having fun and neglected my studies.
Usage notes
- The noun before にかまけて is often something understandable or even legitimate (like work or childcare), but the grammar highlights the negative consequence of being overly focused on it.
- This pattern is used in self-reflection or criticism of others. It is not typically used to describe a positive focus.
- Common nouns that appear with this pattern include (work), (play/fun), (busyness), (childcare), (daily routine), and (immediate concerns).
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You mustn't neglect your health management just because you're busy.
Comparison with 〜に夢中で
While きごう〜 can be positive or neutral (being absorbed in something you love), にかまけて always implies that something else is being neglected as a result, giving it a distinctly critical tone.
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We were so focused on short-term profits that we hadn't made any long-term plans.
Lingaku