Translation and Meaning of: 挟まる - hasamaru

The Japanese word 挟まる [はさまる] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, usage, and cultural context can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will uncover everything from the basic translation to everyday situations where this word appears, as well as tips for memorizing it easily. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides accurate information to assist in this journey.

Meaning and translation of 挟まる

挟まる[はさまる] is a Japanese verb that means "to be trapped between" or "to be squeezed in the middle of something." It describes the action of an object or person that gets wedged or compressed between two surfaces. For example, if a piece of paper is trapped between the pages of a book, you can say it is 挟まっている.

In Portuguese, the closest translation would be "get stuck" or "get squeezed". However, the Japanese verb has a broader use and can apply to both physical and even metaphorical situations. It's important to note that 挟まる is not used to describe something caught in a single object, like a closed door, but rather between two distinct elements.

Everyday use and practical examples

In everyday life, Japanese people use 挟まる in various situations. A common example is when someone gets stuck in the middle of a crowd or between two people talking. In this case, one can say "人混みに挟まって動けない" (I got stuck in the crowd and can't move).

Another common use is in mechanical or domestic contexts, such as when a finger gets stuck in a drawer or a small object gets lodged in a tight space. The word also appears in expressions like "板挟み" (ita hasami), which means "to be between a rock and a hard place," demonstrating its application in dilemma situations.

Tips for memorizing 挟まる

An effective way to remember the meaning of 挟まる is to associate it with the kanji 挟, which contains the radical for "hand" (扌). This helps to visualize the idea of something being held or compressed between two parts. Another tip is to create simple sentences, such as "There is a photo stuck in the book" (本に写真が挟まっている), to reinforce the correct usage.

In addition, it's worth paying attention to scenes in animes or dramas where the word appears, such as in situations with characters trapped in tight places. Hearing the pronunciation "hasamaru" repeatedly in real contexts also aids in memorization.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 挟まる

• 挟まる - base form
• 挟まれる - passive form
• 挟まります - Polite/formal way
• 挟まれます - Polite passive form
• 挟まらない - negative form

Synonyms and similar words

• はさまる (hasamaru) - to be trapped or stuck between something.
• はさまりこむ (hasamarikomu) - to be swallowed or surrounded by objects.
• はさみこまれる (hasamikomareru) - to be inserted or trapped in a tight space.
• 挟み込まれる (hasamikomareru) - to be inserted between parts, like layers of material.

挟まる

Romaji: hasamaru
Kana: はさまる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: To deepen; be caught in

Meaning in English: to get between;to be caught in

Definition: be caught between something.

Example Sentences - (挟まる) hasamaru

See below some example sentences:

私の指がドアに挟まる。

Watashi no yubi ga doa ni hasamaru

My finger gets stuck in the door.

My finger is captured by the door.

• 私の指が - "My finger"
• ドアに - "at the door"
• 挟まる - "got stuck"