込む ②
Remain, To do thoroughly, Deeply, Intensely
Structure
Explanation
The Japanese う-Verb 込む, meaning 'to be crowded' or 'to go into', is often attached to other verbs as a suffix to add specific nuances. Its main functions include:
(A) 込む - To become fully engaged in an action (A), or to be in a state of (A).
(A) 込む - To begin and continue an action (A) with great focus until a result is achieved.
(A) 込む - To become stuck in a state of doing (A), making it difficult to stop.
This grammar point will concentrate on the latter two meanings, often translated as 'to become absorbed in (A)', 'to do (A) thoroughly', or 'to be completely in a state of (A)'. It is formed by adding 込む to the conjunctive form (or stem) of a verb.
- 「どうしたの」と聞いたら、彼は急に黙り込んでしまった。When I asked, 'What's wrong?', he suddenly fell completely silent.
- 夜おそくまで好きな小説を読み込んでしまった。I got completely engrossed in my favorite novel until late at night.
- そんなに一人で悩み込まないで、誰かに相談して。Don't get so bogged down with worry by yourself; talk to someone about it.
- 昨日はとても疲れていて、ベッドに入ったらすぐに眠り込んだ。I was so tired yesterday that I fell fast asleep as soon as I got into bed.
Although 込む has several applications, a helpful way to remember its core feeling is 'to go deep into (A)'. This implies that the action (A) is done with such intensity that it becomes a deep-seated state, one that isn't easy to start or stop casually.
Examples
友達との話：「最近、どうしてそんなに落ち込んでいるの？」
Chat between friends: 'Why have you been so down lately?'
このカレーは野菜が柔らかくなるまで、よく煮込んでください。
Please simmer this curry thoroughly until the vegetables are tender.
ニュース記事：「彼は自分が正しいと思い込んでいた。」
News article: 'He was firmly convinced that he was right.'
雨が降ってきたので、近くのコンビニに駆け込んだ。
It started to rain, so I rushed into a nearby convenience store.
天気予報：「今朝は特に冷え込みましたね。」
Weather forecast: 'It got especially chilly this morning, didn't it?'
犬に「お手」を教え込むのに時間がかかった。
It took a while to thoroughly teach my dog to 'shake hands'.
子供たちは歓声をあげてプールに飛び込んだ。
The children cheered as they jumped into the pool.
会社、同僚：「プロジェクトの締め切りの前は、会社に泊まり込むこともあったよ。」
The company, coworker: 'Before the project deadline, there were times when I even stayed overnight at the office to work.'
転校生はすぐにクラスに溶け込んだ。
The new transfer student blended in with the class right away.
スーツケースに服をたくさん詰め込んだ。
I crammed a lot of clothes into my suitcase.
ドラマ：「彼は彼女の才能に惚れ込んでいるんだ。」
Drama: 'He has fallen head over heels for her talent.'
問い詰められると、彼は黙り込んでしまった。
When pressed for an answer, he clammed up and fell completely silent.