JLPT N3 Grammar – How to use “〜込む”②
Table of Contents
1. How to use “〜込む”②
2. Types of “〜込む”
3. ～込む③
4. ～込む④
5. ～込む⑤
6. Let’s Compare
7. Summary
8. Similer Articles
9. Comment
Q: How do you use “〜込む”?
A: ”〜込む” is an auxiliary verb that comes after another verb.
It adds meanings such as ”to go deeply inside” or ”for the state to continue,” making the nuance of the action more specific. There are five main usages; in the previous article we introduced two of them. This time, we will continue by explaining the remaining three in detail.
Types of “〜込む”
First, let’s look at the overall picture of how it is used.
[Rule]
[V] Verb stem + 込む
| Meaning | Example |
|---|---|
| ① A state continues for a long time | 子供はずっと黙り込んでいます。 The child has remained silent for a long time. |
| ② An object or body moves inside | 口の中に入れたままではなく、飲み込んでください。 Please swallow what is in your mouth instead of keeping it there. 選手がプールに飛び込みました。 The athlete dove into the pool. |
| ③ Completely becoming that state | 冬になってすっかり冷え込みましたね。 It has completely turned cold now that winter has come. |
| ④ Putting an object or body inside | 好きなだけお菓子を袋に詰め込みました。 I stuffed the bag full of sweets. |
| ⑤ Doing an action thoroughly | スープを煮込んだら、味がしっかりしたおいしいスープになりました。 When the soup was simmered, it became rich and delicious. |
～込む③
”〜込む” expresses that the subject undergoes a natural or physiological change and eventually becomes completely in that state. This usage often combines with verbs that describe gradual changes. Since it is frequently used to show physical decline or mental changes, it often carries a negative nuance.
[Meaning]
Completely becoming that state
[Words often used together]
老いる (grow old), 老ける (to age), 冷える (get cold), 寝る (go to bed), 落ちる (fall) etc.
[Examples]
若いころは元気だった父も、今ではすっかり老い込んでしまいました。
Even my father, who was energetic when he was young, has now completely grown old.
⇒ This shows that he has aged and completely lost his youth.
祖母は病気になってから、寝
My grandmother has been bedridden since she became ill.
⇒ It can also be interpreted with the meaning of ① “a state continuing for a long time,” but in this case the focus is on the weakened condition caused by illness.
自信があった企画書が通らなくて、落ち込んでいます。
I’m feeling depressed because the proposal I was confident about was rejected.
⇒ This expresses losing emotional strength and being mentally downhearted.
～込む④
Although it is similar to usage ② “an object or body moves inside,” usage ④ does not focus on “movement” itself but rather on putting things, characters, or information inside.
[Meaning]
Putting an object or body inside
[Words often used together]
書く (write), 差す (insert), 詰める (stuff), 押す (push) etc.
[Examples]
先生の説明をノートに書き込みました。
I wrote down the teacher’s explanation in my notebook.
⇒ This shows that information (the teacher’s explanation) was put into the notebook.
駅員が乗客を電車の中に押し込んでいます。
The station staff is pushing passengers into the train.
朝ごはんを口に詰め込んで、学校へ行きました。
I stuffed my breakfast into my mouth and went to school.
～込む⑤
It expresses carrying out an action not just for a short period, but thoroughly over a long time.
[Meaning]
Doing an action thoroughly
[Words often used together]
煮る (simmer), 作る (make), 教える (teach), 使う (use) etc.
[Examples]
ここのラーメンのスープは、一晩煮込んで作っているらしいよ。
The ramen soup here is said to be simmered overnight.
⇒ This shows that it is not made in just a few hours, but slowly simmered over a long time.
このゲームはグラフィックもストーリーも細部まで作り込まれています。
This game is thoroughly crafted, with both its graphics and story built in great detail.
この展覧会では、画家が使い込んだ絵画の道具も展示されています。
At this exhibition, the tools that the painter has worn through long use are also on display.
Let’s Compare
The ”〜込む” usages introduced here have the following differences:
③ completely becoming a certain state
④ putting objects or people inside
⑤ carrying out an action thoroughly
Now, in the following sentences, which word fits best in the parentheses: ”差す” (insert), ”教える” (teach), or ”冷える” (cool down)?
[Examples]
季節が変わってすっかり（ ）込んできました。
柔道の礼儀作法を先生に（ ）込んでいただきました。
ここにカードを（ ）込んでください。
Answer
①：冷え
②：教え
③：差し
① shows how the season has gradually cooled down.
② shows that the teacher thoroughly taught the manners of judo.
③ shows the act of inserting a card into a machine, i.e., putting information inside.
Summary
There are five usages of “〜込む.”
| Meaning | Example |
|---|---|
| ① A state continues for a long time | 子供はずっと黙り込んでいます。 The child has remained silent for a long time. |
| ② An object or body moves inside | 口の中に入れたままではなく、飲み込んでください。 Please swallow what is in your mouth instead of keeping it there. 選手がプールに飛び込みました。 The athlete dove into the pool. |
| ③ Completely becoming that state | 冬になってすっかり冷え込みましたね。 It has completely turned cold now that winter has come. |
| ④ Putting an object or body inside | 好きなだけお菓子を袋に詰め込みました。 I stuffed the bag full of sweets. |
| ⑤ Doing an action thoroughly | スープを煮込んだら、味がしっかりしたおいしいスープになりました。 When the soup was simmered, it became rich and delicious. |
- ③ Expresses that the subject changes naturally or physiologically, and eventually becomes completely in that state. It often combines with verbs that show gradual change, and is frequently used with a negative nuance, such as physical decline or mental changes.
- ④ The focus is not on ”movement” itself, but on putting things, characters, or information inside.
- ⑤ Expresses carrying out an action not just for a short time, but thoroughly over a long period.
Similer Articles
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