How to say "distraction" in Japanese

• 錯乱さくらんCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers distraction in the sense of mental confusion or derangement, when one's mind is thrown into disorder. This is the psychiatric or emotional sense, not a pleasant pastime.
  今いまはフレッドの錯乱さくらんが治おさまって静しずかに眠ねむっています。↗

  Fred's agitation has now subsided, and he's sleeping peacefully.
• 気移りきうつり
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbDistraction as a wavering of interest or attention — being drawn from one thing to another. Applies when interest shifts, for example from one hobby or person to another.
• 目移りめうつり
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbDistraction as being visually or mentally drawn to many appealing things, making it hard to choose. Fits situations like facing too many attractive options and being unable to settle on one.
• 陽動ようどう
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbDistraction as a deliberate tactical diversion or feint, drawing an opponent's attention away. Military, sporting, or strategic contexts; it is a planned maneuver, not a lapse in concentration.
• 憂さ晴らしうさばらし
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbDistraction in the pleasant sense of amusement or diversion taken to forget one's worries and troubles. If English 'distraction' means something fun to take your mind off problems, this is the word.

Distinguish mental confusion (錯乱), a wandering eye or shifting interest (「気移り」, 「目移り」), a tactical diversion (陽動), and distraction as amusement from worries (「憂さ晴らし」).

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 錯乱さくらんconfusion
• 気移りきうつりdistraction
• 目移りめうつりbeing drawn to many things
• 陽動ようどうdiversion
• 憂さ晴らしうさばらしdiversion (from one's worries, troubles, etc.)
• 気も狂わんばかりきもくるわんばかりfrantically
• 注意散漫ちゅういさんまんinattention
• 注意力散漫ちゅういりょくさんまんinattention
• 死ぬほどしぬほどto death (bored, scared, etc.)
• 目くらましめくらましsmoke screen