込む ①
To go into, To put into
Structure
Explanation
The verb 込む, which can mean 'to be crowded' or 'to put into', also functions as a verbal suffix in Japanese. When attached to other verbs, it adds a range of nuances. Its main meanings are:
(A) 込む - To become fully immersed in an action (A), or to be in a state of having done (A) completely.
(A) 込む - To begin an action (A) that is intended to continue until a successful outcome is reached.
(A) 込む - To become deeply involved in an action (A) to the point where it is difficult to withdraw or stop.
This lesson will concentrate solely on the first meaning, which is often translated as 'to ... into' or 'to do ... thoroughly'. To use this grammar, you will attach it to the conjunctive form (or ます-stem) of a verb.
- スーツケースに服を詰め込む。To stuff clothes into a suitcase.
- 申込書に名前を書き込んだ。I filled in my name on the application form.
- 急いでバスに乗り込んだら、財布を忘れたことに気づいた。When I hurriedly boarded the bus, I realized I'd forgotten my wallet.
- カップにコーヒーを注ぎ込んだ。I poured the coffee into the cup.
Although it has several distinct meanings, the core feeling of 込む is often about putting something 'inward' or 'into' a space or state. This implies that the action is performed with a certain degree of force or thoroughness, moving from the outside to the inside.
Examples
大雨のせいで、泥水が家の中に流れ込んできた。
Because of the heavy rain, muddy water flowed into the house. (put into)
旅行の準備で：「カバンに荷物をたくさん詰め込みすぎた。」
While preparing for a trip: 'I stuffed too much luggage into my bag.' (put into)
駅で：「閉まりそうな電車に駆け込んだ。」
At the station: 'I rushed onto the train just as it was about to close its doors.' (put into)
友達についての話：「彼は彼女のうそを信じ込んでいる。」
Talking about a friend: 'He completely believes her lies.' (put into)
A：「最近、どうしたの？」
B：「仕事でミスをして、ちょっと落ち込んでいるんだ。」
A: 'What's wrong lately?'
B: 'I made a mistake at work and I'm feeling pretty down.' (put into)
満員電車で、駅員さんが乗客を押し込んでいた。
On the packed train, the station staff were pushing passengers in. (put into)
スポーツのコーチ：「勝つための基本を頭に叩き込め！」
Sports coach: 'Drill the fundamentals for winning into your heads!' (put into)
授業中：「先生に指されたが、何も答えられず黙り込んでしまった。」
During class: 'The teacher called on me, but I couldn't answer and just fell silent.' (put into)
料理の本：「ソースを肉によく染み込ませてください。」
Cookbook: 'Please let the sauce soak well into the meat.' (put into)
喫茶店で：「彼はコーヒーを前にして、深く考え込んでいた。」
At a coffee shop: 'With his coffee in front of him, he was lost deep in thought.' (put into)
子供が：「おもちゃを買ってくれないなら、ここに座り込んで動かないからね！」
A child: 'If you don't buy me the toy, I'm going to sit right here and not move!' (put into)
親として：「子供の教育に、愛情をたくさん注ぎ込みたい。」
As a parent: 'I want to pour a lot of love into my child's education.' (put into)