Translation and Meaning of: 沈める - shizumeru

The Japanese word 沈める [しずめる] carries a deep and versatile meaning, present both in everyday contexts and in more poetic or technical situations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding 沈める can enrich your vocabulary and cultural comprehension.

In addition to its literal translation, we will see how this word is perceived by native speakers, its frequency in conversations, and even examples of usage in Japanese media. Suki Nihongo, your trusted dictionary, provides precise and useful information for those who want to truly master Japanese.

Meaning and use of 沈める

沈める [しずめる] is a verb that means "to sink", "to submerge", or "to make something descend to the bottom". It can be used in both literal situations, such as sinking a boat, and in metaphorical contexts, like "sinking into thoughts". Its application is broad, appearing in both physical and emotional descriptions.

An interesting detail is that 沈める is a transitive form, meaning it requires a direct object. For example, "船を沈める" (to sink a ship) clearly shows its grammatical structure. This characteristic helps to differentiate it from similar words, such as 沈む (intransitive), which means "to sink" without the need for an external agent.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 沈 is composed of the radical 氵 (water) and the component 冘, which suggests something heavy or deep. This combination perfectly visualizes the concept of sinking in water. Etymological studies indicate that the character was already used in ancient Chinese with a similar meaning, being adapted to Japanese with few changes.

It is worth noting that 沈 also appears in other words, such as 沈黙 (silence) or 沈殿 (sedimentation), always maintaining the idea of something that descends or collects. This semantic consistency facilitates mental association for language learners.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 沈める is to associate it with vivid mental images, such as a ship being submerged in water. Another strategy is to practice with short everyday sentences, such as "コップを水に沈めた" (I submerged the cup in water). Repeating it aloud also helps to internalize the pronunciation "shizumeru".

Avoid confusing 沈める with 沈む, as mentioned earlier. One tip is to remember that verbs ending in -eru (like しずめる) are generally transitive, while those ending in -u (しずむ) are intransitive. This pattern is not an absolute rule, but serves as a good initial guide.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 沈める

沈めた - simple past
沈めて - affirmative imperative
沈める - dictionary form
沈ます - potential form
沈めない - negative
沈めます - polite

Synonyms and similar words

沈む (shizumu) - To sink, to submerge; it can also indicate a feeling of emotional sinking.
沈下する (chinka suru) - Descend, sink (usually used in a geological or structural context).
沈没する (chinbotsu suru) - Sink a ship; specifically used for the sinking of vessels.
沈殿する (chinden suru) - Settle (in the context of solids in a liquid, such as sediments).
沈静する (shinjou suru) - Calm, to soothe (generally used in emotional or psychological contexts).