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into/deeply
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-stem + 込む" is used to indicate moving something into another thing or doing an action thoroughly and deeply. This pattern is commonly used with verbs that imply inward movement or intensity, such as 'tobikomu' (dive in) or 'kangae-komu' (think deeply). It suggests a sense of completion or thoroughness, and is often used in situations where the action is not just a simple transitive action, but rather a more complex and intense one. For example, in the sentence "プールに思い切り飛び込む" (dive into the pool with all one's might), the verb "飛び込む" implies not just a simple action of entering the pool, but a more intense and thorough action of diving into it.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-stem | V-stem + 込む | 動く + 込む = 動き込む |
| V-stem (with -te form) | V-stem (with -te form) + 込む | 考える + -te + 込む = 考え込む |
| V-stem (with -te form) + て | V-stem (with -te form) + て + 込む | 考える + -te + て + 込む = 考え込む |
Examples
このカバンに荷物を詰め込む。
kono kabān ni tsukemokō.
Pack the luggage into this bag.
このカバンに (into this bag), 荷物を (the luggage), 詰め込む (pack in)
彼は何時間も座って、考え込んだ。
kare wa nan jikan mo suwatte, kangae komu.
He sat for hours and thought deeply.
彼は (he), 何時間も (for hours), 座って (sat), 考え込んだ (thought deeply)
プールに思い切り飛び込む。
pūru ni omoikiri tobikomu.
Dive into the pool with all one's might.
プールに (into the pool), 思い切り (with all one's might), 飛び込む (dive in)
この本を読み込む。
kono hon o yomikomu.
Read this book thoroughly.
この本を (this book), 読み込む (read thoroughly)
Context
This pattern is used to indicate a sense of completion or thoroughness, and is often used in situations where the action is not just a simple transitive action, but rather a more complex and intense one. It is commonly used with verbs that imply inward movement or intensity, such as 'tobikomu' (dive in) or 'kangae-komu' (think deeply). The pattern can be used in formal or informal situations, but is more commonly used in formal situations.
Watch out
Verbs that don't imply inward movement or intensity, such as '走る' (to run) or '食べる' (to eat), cannot be used with this pattern. Instead, use a different pattern that indicates a simple transitive action.
'Ireru' is a simple transitive action that implies putting something into something else, whereas 'V-stem + 込む' implies a more complex and intense action of moving something into something else or doing something thoroughly.
'Nuku' implies completion from start to finish, whereas 'V-stem + 込む' implies a sense of completion or thoroughness. For example, '本を読み終わる' (finish reading the book) implies completion from start to finish, whereas '本を読み込む' (read the book thoroughly) implies a sense of completion or thoroughness.
Strategy
When taking the JLPT N3 exam, be careful to use this pattern correctly. Make sure to use it with verbs that imply inward movement or intensity, and avoid confusing it with other patterns such as 'ireru' or 'nuku'. Also, be careful to use the correct form of the verb, such as the V-stem or the V-stem with -te form.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-stem + 込む used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
このカバンに荷物を詰め込んだ。
Pattern used: 込んだ
'Tsume-komu' emphasizes stuffing things tightly into a space.
彼は何時間も座って、考え込んでいた。
Pattern used: 込んで
'Kangae-komu' means to be lost in deep thought for a long time.
プールに思い切り飛び込んだ。
Pattern used: 込んだ
'Tobikomu' specifically describes the physical action of jumping into a container like a pool.
Interactive
このカバンに荷物を詰め______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.