込む ①

JLPT Level: N3

Meanings

to enter or go into

to cram into; to stuff into

to brood over; to think deeply about

Usage

動詞連用形 + 込む

V + 込む (thorough/into)

思い込み + 込む (commit deeply to a thought)

Explanation

込む is a versatile suffix that attaches to the stem of a verb to indicate doing something into or thoroughly, often implying persistence or immersion. It can describe going into a place, filling a space, or mentally dwelling on something for a prolonged period. The nuance depends on the base verb: physically entering (入る/入れる concepts) or mentally concentrating (think deeply) or packing/ stuffing (cram). Typical contexts include: entering or filling spaces, or deeply considering something.

試験のことを家でずっと考え込んだ。

しけんのことをいえでずっとかんがえこんだ。

I kept thinking about the exam at home.

荷物をカバンに詰め込み込んだ。

にもつをカバンにつめこみこんだ。

I crammed the luggage into the bag.

彼は失敗を引きずって、考え込んでしまった。

かれはしっぱいをひきずって、かんがえこんでしまった。

He ended up brooding over the failure.