Translation and Meaning of: 込む - komu

The Japanese word 込む[こむ] is a versatile and frequently used verb in everyday Japan. Its main meaning revolves around the idea of "being crowded," "to enter," or "to include something," but its usage goes far beyond these simple translations. In this article, we will explore how this word is applied in different contexts, its origin, and even tips for memorizing it effectively.

If you are learning Japanese, you may have come across 込む in situations like "電車が込んでいる" (the train is crowded) or "思いを込める" (to put feelings into something). Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to explain not only the meaning but also how the Japanese perceive and use this word in their daily lives. Let's dive into details that range from its writing to cultural curiosities.

Meaning and uses of 込む

The verb 込む carries the idea of something being full, crowded, or included. One of the most common examples is its use to describe crowded places, like train stations or restaurants. Phrases like "この店は込んでいる" (this store is crowded) are common in Japanese vocabulary, especially in urban areas where the flow of people is intense.

Moreover, 込む also appears in expressions that indicate emotional depth or dedication. When someone says "心を込めて作った" (made with heart), the word conveys the notion of something made with care and emotion. This duality between the physical and the abstract makes 込む a term rich in meanings.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 込 is composed of the radical ⻍ (shinnyou), which is related to movement, combined with the component 入 (enter). This combination is not random – it reflects the notion of something or someone entering a space, whether literal or figurative. The reading こむ (komu) is one of the most common, but this same kanji can also be read as "iri" in some compounds.

It is worth noting that while 込む is often used alone, it also appears in various compound words. Expressions like 打ち込む (to dedicate oneself) and 申し込む (to apply) are good examples of how this verb combines with others to create more specific meanings. This versatility makes it one of the most useful kanjis for those learning Japanese.

Tips for memorizing and using 込む

An effective way to fix the meaning of 込む is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine a crowded train during rush hour in Tokyo – this scene helps to cement the sense of "being full." For more abstract use, think of phrases like "愛情を込めて" (with affection), which show how the word can express deep feelings.

Another tip is to pay attention to the compounds where 込む appears. Words like 考え込む (to get lost in thought) or 飛び込む (to jump in, to dive in) follow a pattern that makes learning easier. By studying these examples, you not only learn 込む but also expand your vocabulary in a contextualized way.

Cultural context and frequency of use

In Japan, where public spaces are often crowded, 込む is a common word. Its frequency in conversations is high, especially in large cities. Places like subways, festivals, and even convenience stores during peak hours are described with this term, highlighting its practical relevance.

Culturally, the use of 込む to express emotions also reflects Japanese values such as the importance of dedication and effort. When an artisan says "魂を込めて作る" (to make with soul), it goes beyond language – it is a concept deeply rooted in the way many activities are carried out in Japan. Understanding these nuances helps to understand not only the word but also aspects of Japanese society.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 込む

• 込む - Infinitive form
• 込まれる - passive form
• 込まれている - Passive-progressive form
• 込んで - imperative form
• 込んだ - past form

Synonyms and similar words

• 詰まる (Tsumaru) - Clog, become full
• 満ちる (Michiiru) - To be full, to overflow
• 充満する (Jūman suru) - To be completely full, to saturate
• 挤满 (Jǐmǎn) - Being tight or full (in Chinese)
• 拥挤 (Yōngjǐ) - 拥挤 (em chinês)
• 拥塞 (Yōngsè) - Traffic congestion, blockage (in Chinese)
• 挤入 (Jǐrù) - 闯入
• 涌入 (Yǒngrù) - Enter in bulk, influx (in Chinese)
• 涌进 (Yǒngjìn) - Enter quickly, crowd (in Chinese)
• 涌现 (Yǒngxiàn) - Surge, appears in large quantity (in Chinese)
• 涌动 (Yǒngdòng) - Move en masse, flow (in Chinese)
• 涌泉 (Yǒngquán) - emerging source, jet (in Chinese)
• 涌流 (Yǒngliú) - Abundant flow, current (in Chinese)
• 涌出 (Yǒngchū) - Flowing out, mass exodus (in Chinese)
• 涌波 (Yǒngbō) - Emerging waves, undulation (in Chinese)
• 涌起 (Yǒngqǐ) - Rise in masses, emerge (in Chinese)

込む

Romaji: komu
Kana: こむ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: be crowded

Meaning in English: to be crowded

Definition: To bring something or someone into it.

Example Sentences - (込む) komu

See below some example sentences:

私は最近落ち込んでいます。

Watashi wa saikin ochikonde imasu

I've been feeling down lately.

I am recently depressed.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I".
• 最近 - Japanese adverb meaning "recently".
• 落ち込んでいます - Japanese verb meaning "to be depressed" or "to be discouraged", conjugated in the present and polite form.

放出されたエネルギーが周りを包み込んだ。

Houshutsu sareta enerugii ga mawari o tsutsumikonda

The released energy enveloped everything around.

The released energy enveloped.

• 放出された - The verb "放出する" in the past, meaning "released, emitted"
• エネルギー - noun "エネルギー", which means "energy"
• が - The particle "が", which indicates the subject of the sentence
• 周り - Noun "周り", which means "around"
• を - Particle "を", indicating the direct object of the sentence.
• 包み込んだ - verb "包み込む" in the past, meaning "to wrap, surround"

意気込んで頑張ります。

Ikokonde ganbarimasu

I'm going to make an enthusiastic effort.

I'll do my best with enthusiasm.

• 意気込んで - enthusiasm, excitement
• 頑張ります - make an effort, do your best

彼は強引に彼女を部屋に押し込んだ。

Kare wa gouin ni kanojo o heya ni oshikomunda

He pushed her hard into the room.

He pushed her into the room.

• 彼 - He
• は - Topic particle
• 強引に - Forcibly, violently
• 彼女を - She (direct object)
• 部屋に - In the living room
• 押し込んだ - He pushed in

このプロジェクトには大きな見込みがある。

Kono purojekuto ni wa ookina mikomi ga aru

This project has great perspectives.

This project has a great perspective.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• プロジェクト - noun meaning "project"
• には - particle that indicates the existence of something in a specific place or moment
• 大きな - adjective that means "big" or "important"
• 見込み - noun that means "perspective" or "expectation"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

彼は恥ずかしさから引っ込んでしまった。

Kare wa hazukashisa kara hikkonde shimatta

He retreated out of shame.

He was removed from the embarrassment.

• 彼 - Japanese pronoun meaning "he".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 恥ずかしさ - Japanese noun meaning "shame" or "shyness".
• から - Japanese particle that indicates the cause or reason for something.
• 引っ込んでしまった - Japanese verb meaning "to withdraw" or "to retreat" and the particle しまった indicates that the action has been completed in a negative or unwanted way.

彼は池に飛び込んだ。

Kare wa ike ni tobikonda

He jumped into the pond.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 池 - Japanese noun meaning "lake"
• に - destination particle in Japanese
• 飛び込んだ - Japanese verb meaning "jumped"

私はプログラミングに打ち込んでいます。

Watashi wa puroguramingu ni uchikonde imasu

I'm focused on programming.

I'm in programming.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• プログラミング (puroguramingu) - programação
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action towards something, in this case "dedication to programming"
• 打ち込んでいます (uchikondeimasu) - verb meaning "to be dedicated to" or "to be immersed in", conjugated in the present continuous

私たちは列車に乗り込んだ。

Watashitachi wa ressha ni norikonda

We get on the train.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 列車 - Train
• に - Particle that indicates destination or location
• 乗り込んだ - "Entramos" in Japanese