Translation and Meaning of: 詰まる - tsumaru

The Japanese word 詰まる[つまる] is a verb that carries interesting meanings and various uses in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its context can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 詰まる, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly.

In addition to being a common word in everyday conversations, 詰まる also appears in specific expressions and situations. Whether to describe something that is clogged, a problem with no solution, or even a feeling of tightness, its usage is broader than it seems. Let's dive into the details so you can apply it with confidence.

Meaning and uses of 詰まる

詰まる is a verb that can be translated as "to be clogged," "to be blocked," or "to be stuck." It is often used to describe physical situations, such as a clogged pipe (パイプが詰まる) or a congested nose (鼻が詰まる). However, it can also have a more abstract meaning, such as when someone feels cornered in a discussion (話が詰まる).

Another common use is in emotional contexts, such as when a person is left speechless due to emotion (言葉が詰まる). This versatility makes 詰まる a useful word in different scenarios, from everyday situations to more complex ones. Recognizing these nuances helps to better understand the Japanese language and its expressiveness.

Origin and structure of kanji

The kanji 詰 (tsu) in 詰まる means "to fill" or "to compress," while まる is the ending that indicates the verbal form. Together, they convey the idea of something being compressed or blocked. This composition effectively reflects the meanings of the word, whether in a literal or figurative context.

It is worth noting that 詰まる is a verb from group 1 (godan), which means that its conjugation follows a specific pattern. For example, in the negative form, it becomes 詰まらない (tsumaranai). Knowing these variations is essential for using the word correctly in different grammatical situations.

Tips for memorizing 詰まる

An effective way to memorize 詰まる is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine a clogged pipe or a traffic jam – these images help to the meaning of "blockage" or "obstruction." Repeating phrases like 鼻が詰まる (stuffy nose) also reinforces learning.

Another tip is to observe the kanji 詰, which appears in other related words, such as 詰め物 (tsumemono, "filling") or 詰問 (kitsumon, "interrogation"). Noticing these connections makes memorization easier and naturally broadens your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 詰まる

• 詰まり - Masu base form
• 詰まらない - negative masu
• 詰まっている - continuous masu
• 詰まれ - masu imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• つまる (tsumaru) - Stuffing up; becoming congested.
• 詰る (tsumaru) - Stuff oneself; be compressed.
• 塞まる (fusamaru) - Block; to remain closed due to something.
• 詰り込む (tsumarikomu) - To be stuck; to be immersed in something.
• 詰める (tsumeru) - Drill; fill; compact.
• 詰め込む (tsume-komu) - Force to put inside; shove inside.
• 詰まり (tsumari) - Congestion; blockage; cause of a blockage.
• 詰まり込む (tsumarikomu) - Get stuck; be in a state of blockage.
• 詰め込み (tsume-komi) - The process of stuffing or packing something.
• 詰め込みすぎる (tsume-komisugiru) - Excessive compression; putting too much in at once.
• 詰め込み過ぎる (tsume-komisugiru) - Excessive compression; refers to the act of stuffing too much.
• 詰まり過ぎる (tsumarisugiru) - Excessive congestion; being very blocked.
• 詰まりすぎた (tsumaritsugita) - It got excessively clogged.
• 詰まり過ぎた (tsumari-sugita) - It became excessively congested.