Translation and Meaning of: 追い込む - oikomu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about words that express intense actions, you may have come across the term 追い込む (おいこむ). This word carries a strong meaning and is often used in contexts involving pressure, extreme dedication, or desperate situations. In this article, we will explore what 追い込む means, how it is written in kanji, its origin, and how the Japanese use it in their daily lives. Additionally, we will provide tips for memorizing it and practical examples that show its application in real conversations.

Meaning and translation of 追い込む

追い込む is a Japanese verb that can be translated as "to corner," "to tighten," or "to bring to an extreme situation." Depending on the context, it can also mean "to force someone to do something" or "to dedicate oneself intensely to a task." This duality of meanings makes the word versatile, appearing in both competitive situations and moments of personal effort.

A common example is in the world of sports, where athletes can be 追い込まれる (おいこまれる – passive form) by their opponents, meaning they are pressured to the point of making mistakes. In the workplace, someone might use 追い込む to describe a phase of intense effort, as in "今月は仕事に追い込まれている" (this month I am being pressured by work).

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 追い込む is composed of two kanji: 追 (おい), which means "to pursue" or "to follow", and 込 (こむ), which carries the idea of "to enter" or "to dive into something". Together, they form the image of "pursuing to the limit", which well reflects the meaning of the word. This construction is common in Japanese verbs, where the second kanji often intensifies the first.

It is worth noting that 込む by itself already appears in various other verbs, such as 打ち込む (to dedicate deeply) or 考え込む (to be lost in thought). This helps to understand why 追い込む has a connotation of action taken to the extreme, almost as if someone is being pushed into a dead-end situation.

How do the Japanese use 追い込む in daily life?

In Japan, 追い込む is a word that frequently appears in high-pressure contexts, such as sports, business, and even academic life. Students preparing for difficult entrance exams, like the University of Tokyo exam, often say they feel 追い込まれている (cornered) by the amount of material.

Additionally, in competitions like shogi (Japanese chess) or video games, it's common to hear commentators saying that a player is 追い込んでいる (pressing the opponent). The word can also have a more positive tone when someone is dedicating themselves greatly to a project, like an artist who "throws" themselves headlong into a new work.

Tips for memorizing 追い込む

An effective way to remember 追い込む is to associate it with situations of pressure or extreme effort. If you have experienced a period of intense work or study, you can use that experience to create an emotional connection with the word. Another technique is to remember that the kanji 追 appears in other verbs like 追う (to pursue), while 込む is a suffix that intensifies the action.

Practicing with everyday sentences also helps. For example, when feeling overwhelmed, you can think: "今週は本当に追い込まれた" (This week I was really pressured). Repeating this type of construction aloud or writing it down on flashcards can speed up learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 追い込む

追い込む Base form
追い込まcausative form
追い込まthe passive form
追い込め imperative
追い込まnegative form
追い込みます polite way

Synonyms and similar words

追い詰める (oi tsumeru) - Forcing someone into a critical or hopeless situation.
追いつめる (oi tsumeru) - To bring someone to a point where they cannot escape; similar to 追い詰める, but with an emphasis on the continuous pursuit.
追い込める (oi komeru) - To confine or trap someone in a dead-end situation, usually in a more restricted context.