Overview
The Japanese verb '抱きしめる' (dakishimeru) is a transitive verb that directly translates to 'to hug,' 'to embrace,' or 'to hold tightly in one's arms.' It conveys a sense of closeness, affection, and often, protection. The kanji '抱' (daku) generally means 'to hold' or 'to carry,' while 'しめる' (shimeru) from '締める' (shimeru) means 'to tighten' or 'to fasten.' When combined, they form a verb that specifically emphasizes the act of holding someone or something tightly and intimately.
This verb is commonly used in various contexts to express different nuances of hugging. For instance, '愛する人を抱きしめる' (aisuru hito o dakishimeru) means 'to hug a loved one,' highlighting affection. It can also be used to express comfort or reassurance, such as when someone says '不安な気持ちを抱きしめる' (fuan na kimochi o dakishimeru), meaning 'to embrace or accept feelings of anxiety,' though this is a more metaphorical usage. In a more literal sense, a parent might '子供を抱きしめる' (kodomo o dakishimeru) to console or protect their child.
Grammatically, '抱きしめる' follows typical Japanese verb conjugation rules. Its dictionary form is '抱きしめる.' The '-masu' form is '抱きしめます,' the past tense is '抱きしめた' (dakishimeta), and the 'te' form is '抱きしめて' (dakishimete). The potential form is '抱きしめられる' (dakishimerareru), meaning 'to be able to hug' or 'to be hugged.'
While '抱く' (daku) can also mean 'to hold' or 'to embrace,' '抱きしめる' carries a stronger connotation of tightness and emotional depth. '抱く' can be more general, referring to simply holding an object or a person without the same intensity of embrace. Therefore, '抱きしめる' is the more appropriate word when expressing a heartfelt, close hug or embrace, whether it be out of love, comfort, or strong emotion. It evokes a vivid image of two entities coming together in a tight, often comforting, embrace.
Ejemplos
彼は彼女を強く抱きしめた。
一般会話He hugged her tightly.
母親は子供を優しく抱きしめた。
一般会話The mother gently embraced her child.
夢を抱きしめて頑張ろう。
比喩表現Let's work hard, holding onto our dreams.
困難な状況でも希望を抱きしめる。
比喩表現Even in difficult situations, hold onto hope.
成功を信じて抱きしめよう。
比喩表現Believe in success and embrace it.
Colocaciones comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
抱きしめる implies a tighter, more intimate embrace, often with an emotional connotation. いだく can be more general, referring to holding something or harboring abstract concepts like hope or doubt.
抱きしめる emphasizes the act of squeezing or holding tightly. だく is a more general term for holding, and while it can mean embrace, it doesn't always carry the same intensity or emotional weight as 抱きしめる.
抱きしめる is about holding someone affectionately or protectively. つかまえる is about apprehending or catching something or someone, often with the intent to stop their movement or secure them.
抱きしめる involves holding someone close to one's body, typically with arms. かつぐ refers specifically to carrying something on one's shoulder.
抱きしめる is an act of embrace. ささえる means to provide physical or emotional support to prevent something from falling or to keep it stable.
Patrones gramaticales
How to Use It
Notas de uso
The verb '抱きしめる' (dakishimeru) specifically means 'to hug closely,' 'to embrace tightly,' or 'to hold someone firmly in one's arms.' It implies a strong, often affectionate, and sometimes protective embrace. It is distinct from '抱く' (daku), which can mean 'to hold' generally, or 'to carry' (e.g., a baby or an object), though 'daku' can also be used for hugging in a broader sense. 'Dakishimeru' emphasizes the tightness and intimacy of the hug. It's often used in emotional contexts, such as comforting someone who is sad, reuniting with a loved one, or expressing deep romantic affection. For example, 「彼女を抱きしめた」 (Kanojo o dakishimeta) means 'I hugged her tightly.' It can also be used metaphorically, though less commonly, for embracing an idea or concept, but its primary use is for physical embrace.
Errores comunes
Some learners might confuse '抱きしめる' (dakishimeru - to hug tightly) with '抱く' (daku - to hug, to embrace, more general). While '抱く' can also mean to hold, '抱きしめる' specifically implies a tighter, more intimate embrace. Another potential mistake is mispronouncing the 'shi' (し) as 'su' (す) or 'ki' (き) as 'chi' (ち) due to similar-sounding kana. Pay attention to the clear pronunciation of each syllable. Also, ensure you understand the nuance of 'tightly' or 'firmly' that 'しめる' adds.
Tips
Usage Contexts
'抱きしめる' is commonly used in various contexts. It can describe a loving embrace between family members or partners, a comforting hug given to a friend in distress, or even a protective embrace in a dangerous situation. It implies a strong emotional connection or a need for reassurance.
Nuances and Intensity
While '抱きしめる' generally means 'to hug' or 'to embrace,' it often carries a stronger sense of intimacy and tightness than a simple '抱く' (daku), which can also mean 'to hold' or 'to carry.' '抱きしめる' emphasizes holding someone closely and firmly.
Related Expressions
Other related expressions include 'ハグする' (hagu suru), a more casual and modern way to say 'to hug' (derived from English 'hug'), and '抱き合う' (dakiau), which means 'to embrace each other.' '抱擁する' (hōyō suru) is a more formal term for 'to embrace.'
Origen de la palabra
200+ WORDS origin history.
Contexto cultural
In Japanese culture, physical displays of affection like hugging (抱きしめる - dakishimeru) are generally more reserved in public compared to some Western cultures. While close family members and intimate partners may hug, especially in private, it's less common to see casual hugs between friends or acquaintances in public settings. Bowing is a more traditional and common form of greeting and showing respect. However, in certain emotional or celebratory situations, hugging can occur, expressing deep feelings such as comfort, reunion, or strong affection. The nuances of when and where 'dakishimeru' is appropriate often depend on the specific relationship, the context of the situation, and the individuals involved. It's also increasingly influenced by globalization and exposure to other cultures, leading to a slight increase in its acceptance in certain younger demographics or specific social circles.
Truco para recordar
Visualize someone holding a 'daki' (a type of hug pillow) close, and that action makes them 'shimeru' (tighten or close). So, daki-shimeru is to hug tightly.
Ponte a prueba
彼女は赤ちゃんを（ ）した。
寂しかったので、ぬいぐるみをぎゅっと（ ）。
彼は再会した恋人を強く（ ）。
Puntuación: /3
Usage Contexts
'抱きしめる' is commonly used in various contexts. It can describe a loving embrace between family members or partners, a comforting hug given to a friend in distress, or even a protective embrace in a dangerous situation. It implies a strong emotional connection or a need for reassurance.
Nuances and Intensity
While '抱きしめる' generally means 'to hug' or 'to embrace,' it often carries a stronger sense of intimacy and tightness than a simple '抱く' (daku), which can also mean 'to hold' or 'to carry.' '抱きしめる' emphasizes holding someone closely and firmly.
Related Expressions
Other related expressions include 'ハグする' (hagu suru), a more casual and modern way to say 'to hug' (derived from English 'hug'), and '抱き合う' (dakiau), which means 'to embrace each other.' '抱擁する' (hōyō suru) is a more formal term for 'to embrace.'
Ejemplos
5 de 5彼は彼女を強く抱きしめた。
He hugged her tightly.
母親は子供を優しく抱きしめた。
The mother gently embraced her child.
夢を抱きしめて頑張ろう。
Let's work hard, holding onto our dreams.
困難な状況でも希望を抱きしめる。
Even in difficult situations, hold onto hope.
成功を信じて抱きしめよう。
Believe in success and embrace it.
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