यह पेज आपकी भाषा में

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

B1 verb #2,000 सबसे आम 8 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

たたむ

tatamu शीर्ष 2,000

At the A1 level, 'tatamu' is introduced as a basic action verb related to daily life. You will mostly use it when talking about laundry (sentakumono) or umbrellas (kasa). It is important to learn the 'te-form' (tatande) early on because it is used in requests like 'Please fold this.' At this stage, don't worry about metaphorical meanings. Focus on the physical act of folding soft things. Imagine you are helping your Japanese host family with chores; they might say 'Sentakumono o tatande kudasai.' You should also know that it is a Group 1 verb, so the 'mu' changes to 'mi' for the polite form 'tatamimasu'. Learning this word helps you describe simple household routines and follow basic instructions in a Japanese home or school setting.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'tatamu' to include items like futons and blankets. You start to see the word in the context of 'tidying up' (katazukeru). You might also encounter the potential form 'tatameru' when looking at products in a store, such as a 'tatameru bag' (foldable bag). You should be able to distinguish 'tatamu' from 'oru' (used for paper) and 'shimeru' (used for doors). A2 learners should practice using 'tatamu' in sentences that describe a sequence of actions, such as 'I dried the clothes and then folded them.' This level also introduces the idea of 'tatamu' as a way to save space, which is a key cultural concept in Japan. You might hear it in simple conversations about travel, like folding clothes to fit into a suitcase.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the metaphorical use of 'tatamu,' specifically in the context of closing a business (mise o tatamu). This is a common expression in news and literature. You should also be comfortable with the passive form 'tatamareru' and the causative form 'tatamaseru.' B1 learners should understand the nuance that 'tatamu' implies a neat, organized conclusion. You will see this word in more complex reading passages about Japanese lifestyle or economic changes. You should also be able to use 'tatamu' to describe folding more complex items like strollers or camping gear. This level requires a deeper understanding of the transitive nature of the verb and how it interacts with different particles in a sentence.

At the B2 level, you should be familiar with compound verbs and more idiomatic expressions involving 'tatamu.' One such example is 'tatami-kakeru,' which means to press someone or do things in quick succession. You will encounter 'tatamu' in more formal or literary contexts, where it might describe 'folding' one's life or 'folding' a long-held secret. B2 learners should be able to explain the difference between 'tatamu' and its synonyms in detail, including the cultural nuances of the word 'tatami.' You should also be able to use the word in business discussions, such as discussing the liquidation of a branch or the phasing out of a product line. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's social and emotional weight.

At the C1 level, 'tatamu' is used with high precision and stylistic flair. You will recognize it in classical literature or high-level journalism where it might be used to describe the 'folding' of an era or the 'folding' of a complex political movement. You should understand the historical connection between the verb 'tatamu' and the development of Japanese architecture and interior design. C1 learners should be able to use the word in nuanced ways, such as 'folding' a debate or 'folding' a complex set of data into a summary. You will also encounter the word in specialized fields like textile engineering or traditional arts (like Kimono dressing), where the specific method of 'tatamu' is crucial. Your mastery should include all rare conjugations and the ability to use the word metaphorically in creative writing.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'tatamu' and its myriad nuances. You can appreciate the word's use in poetry and archaic texts where it might have meanings related to 'stacking' or 'layering' (the original sense of the kanji). You understand the deep psychological implications of 'folding up' a life's work and can use the word to convey complex emotions in high-level discourse. You are also aware of slang or very specific regional uses of the word. At this level, 'tatamu' is not just a verb but a cultural symbol of order, conclusion, and the Japanese aesthetic of space. You can effortlessly switch between its literal, metaphorical, and idiomatic uses in any professional or academic setting, including discussions on linguistics, history, or sociology.

इसका अभ्यास करें उदाहरण नोट्स और सुझाव

たたむ 30 सेकंड में

Tatamu primarily means to fold soft items like laundry, futons, and umbrellas for the purpose of storage or tidiness.
It is a transitive verb, meaning you fold 'something' (object + o + tatamu).
Metaphorically, it is the standard way to say a business is closing down permanently.
It differs from 'oru' (folding paper/stiff things) and 'shimeru' (closing doors/windows).

The Japanese verb たたむ (tatamu), often written with the kanji 畳む, is a fundamental word that describes the action of folding something soft or flexible, typically to make it smaller, more compact, or to put it away. While its primary English translation is 'to fold,' its usage in Japanese is deeply tied to the culture of space-saving and organization. Unlike the verb oru (折る), which is used for folding stiffer materials like paper (origami) or breaking a bone, tatamu is reserved for textiles, umbrellas, and metaphorical structures like businesses.

Physical Action: The most common use involves laundry (洗濯物), futons (布団), and clothing. It implies a deliberate, neat folding process.
Closing/Ending: Metaphorically, it refers to 'folding up' a business or shop, meaning to close it down permanently.

乾いた洗濯物をきれいにたたむのは、日本の家庭の基本です。(Folding dried laundry neatly is a basic part of Japanese household life.)

The etymology of the word is linked to the noun tatami (畳), the traditional Japanese flooring. Historically, tatami were thin mats that could be folded or piled up when not in use. This reveals the core essence of the word: transforming something that occupies space into something compact and orderly. In a modern context, you will hear this word daily in the context of household chores, but also in news reports regarding the economy when a long-standing shop 'folds' its curtains for the last time.

使い終わった傘をたたんでから、建物に入ってください。(Please fold your umbrella after use before entering the building.)

Nuance of Completion: Using 'tatamu' often suggests that the task is being finished or put to rest. It has a sense of finality and tidiness.

彼はついに店をたたむ決心をした。(He finally decided to fold up (close) his shop.)

In literature, tatamu can also be used for 'folding' one's wings or even 'folding' a conversation, though these are more poetic. The word carries a weight of respect for the object being handled; you are not just bending it, you are treating it with the care required to store it properly. This is why folding laundry is often seen as a meditative or character-building task in Japanese schools and homes.

布団をたたんで押し入れにしまいました。(I folded the futon and put it in the closet.)

キャンプ用の椅子をたたむのは意外と難しい。(Folding up a camping chair is surprisingly difficult.)

Using たたむ (tatamu) correctly requires understanding its conjugation as a Group 1 (Godan) verb and its transitive nature. Since it is transitive, it almost always takes the particle を (o) to indicate the object being folded. Whether you are folding a physical object or closing a business, the grammatical structure remains consistent.

Conjugation Basics: Dictionary: たたむ | Polite: たたみます | Te-form: たたんで | Negative: たたまない | Potential: たためる | Passive: たたまれる

このシャツをたたんでもらえますか？(Could you fold this shirt for me?)

When using the potential form tatameru, you are expressing the ability to fold something, which is often used for products that are 'collapsible' or 'foldable.' For example, a tatameru kousui (foldable chair) or tatameru kasa (folding umbrella). This is a key vocabulary point for shopping and product descriptions.

このテーブルは足をたためるので便利だ。(This table is convenient because the legs can be folded.)

Business Context: When closing a business, 'tatamu' is slightly more informal or emotional than 'heisa suru' (to close/liquidate). It suggests a personal ending to a venture.

不景気で、多くの個人商店が店をたたんでいる。(Due to the recession, many private shops are folding up.)

In compound verbs, tatamu appears in tatami-kakeru (たたみかける), which means to press someone hard with questions or to follow up one action quickly with another. This is a more advanced (N1/C1) usage but shows the versatility of the root meaning—stacking things up quickly.

彼女は質問をたたみかけるように尋ねた。(She asked questions in rapid succession.)

地図をたたんでポケットに入れた。(I folded the map and put it in my pocket.)

You will encounter たたむ (tatamu) in various settings, ranging from the intimate atmosphere of a Japanese home to the professional environment of a retail store or a business news broadcast. Understanding these contexts helps in grasping the social weight of the word.

At Home: Parents often tell children: 'Sentakumono tatande!' (Fold the laundry!). It's a standard household command.
In Stores: Clothing store staff spend a significant portion of their time 'tatamu'-ing clothes to keep displays neat.

「その服、たたんでおきましょうか？」("Shall I fold those clothes for you?")

In the hospitality industry, particularly in Ryokans (traditional inns), the staff will 'tatamu' the futons in the morning to clear the room for the day's activities. This is a silent, essential service that guests rarely see but always benefit from. Hearing the word in this context often implies a transition from night to day or from rest to activity.

雨が止んだので、みんな一斉に傘をたたんだ。(The rain stopped, so everyone folded their umbrellas at once.)

On the News: Economic segments might discuss 'jigyou o tatamu' (folding a business operation) during times of financial crisis.

彼は長年続いた家業をたたむことにした。(He decided to fold up the family business that had continued for many years.)

In everyday conversation, you might hear it used for portable items. 'Tatami-shiki' (folding type) is a common prefix for products like bicycles, chairs, and even keyboards. When someone asks, 'Sore, tatameru?' (Can that be folded?), they are inquiring about the portability of an object.

このベビーカーは簡単にたためるので、バスに乗る時に便利です。(This stroller folds easily, so it's convenient when getting on a bus.)

新聞をたたんで脇に抱えた。(He folded the newspaper and tucked it under his arm.)

The most frequent error learners make with たたむ (tatamu) is confusing it with 折る (oru). While both can be translated as 'to fold' in English, their applications in Japanese are strictly divided by the material and the intent of the action.

Tatamu vs. Oru: Use 'tatamu' for soft things (clothes, blankets) or complex mechanisms (umbrellas, chairs). Use 'oru' for paper, sticks, or creating a sharp crease.

❌ 紙をたたむ (Incorrect for simple paper folding)
✅ 紙を折る (Correct for folding paper)

Another mistake is using tatamu for 'closing' a door or a window. For those actions, you must use shimeru (閉める). Tatamu is only for 'closing' things that involve a folding mechanism. For example, you 'shimeru' a laptop (close the lid), but you might 'tatamu' a foldable screen if it has hinges that collapse it.

❌ 本をたたむ (Incorrect)
✅ 本を閉じる (Correct)

Transitivity Errors: Learners sometimes forget that 'tatamu' is transitive. You cannot say 'The umbrella folds' using 'tatamu' directly; you must use the potential 'tatameru' or the passive 'tatamareru'.

❌ 傘がたたむ (Incorrect)
✅ 傘をたたむ (I fold the umbrella)
✅ 傘がたためる (The umbrella can be folded)

Finally, avoid using tatamu for 'folding' your arms. The specific phrase for folding arms is ude o kumu (腕を組む). Using tatamu here would sound like you are physically collapsing your arms like a piece of laundry, which is anatomically impossible and linguistically strange.

❌ 腕をたたむ (Incorrect)
✅ 腕を組む (Correct for crossing arms)

彼は黙って新聞をたたんだ。(He folded the newspaper in silence.)

To truly master たたむ (tatamu), it is essential to compare it with other verbs that involve closing, folding, or bending. Japanese has a high degree of specificity for these actions.

折る (Oru): Focuses on the crease or the change in shape. Used for paper, bones, or branches. Example: 'Origami o oru'.
閉じる (Tojiru): Used for things that open and close on a hinge or meeting point, like books, eyes, or curtains. Example: 'Me o tojiru' (Close your eyes).
閉める (Shimeru): Used for doors, windows, or lids. It implies blocking an opening. Example: 'Doa o shimeru'.

洗濯物をたたむのと、紙を折るのでは、手の使い方が違います。(Folding laundry and folding paper require different hand movements.)

Another interesting comparison is with katazukeru (片付ける - to tidy up). While tatamu is a specific action (folding), katazukeru is the broader goal. You might tatamu your clothes as part of katazukeru-ing your room. In the business sense, tatamu is more final than yasumu (休む - to take a break/be closed for the day).

傘をたたむ前に、水をよく切ってください。(Before folding your umbrella, please shake off the water well.)

畳み込む (Tatamikomu): To fold something into something else, or to tuck something away. Often used in technical or culinary contexts.

将来の計画を胸にたたみ込んで、彼は旅に出た。(Tucking his future plans into his heart, he set out on a journey.)

Lastly, consider maku (巻く - to roll). If you are dealing with a sleeping bag, you might tatamu it (fold it) or maku it (roll it). The choice depends on the physical action. In Japanese culture, the distinction between folding and rolling is significant for storage efficiency.

毛布をたたんでソファの上に置いた。(I folded the blanket and placed it on the sofa.)

店をたたむのは寂しいが、新しい出発だ。(Folding up the shop is sad, but it's a new start.)

How Formal Is It?

औपचारिक

कठिनाई स्तर

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

洗濯物をたたみます。

I fold the laundry.

Simple present tense.

傘をたたんでください。

Please fold your umbrella.

Te-form + kudasai (request).

お母さんは服をたたんでいます。

Mother is folding clothes.

Present continuous tense.

これをたたんでもいいですか？

May I fold this?

Te-form + mo ii desu ka (permission).

タオルをきれいにたたみましょう。

Let's fold the towels neatly.

Volitional form (suggestion).

たたむのは難しいです。

Folding is difficult.

Nominalized verb (tatamu no).

シャツをたたまないでください。

Please don't fold the shirt.

Negative te-form + kudasai.

毎日布団をたたみます。

I fold the futon every day.

Habitual action.

布団をたたんで、押し入れに入れました。

I folded the futon and put it in the closet.

Sequential actions using te-form.

この椅子はたためるので便利です。

This chair is convenient because it can be folded.

Potential form (tatameru).

妹に洗濯物をたたませました。

I made my younger sister fold the laundry.

Causative form (tatamaseta).

傘をたたまずに店に入りました。

I entered the shop without folding my umbrella.

Negative zu-ni (without doing).

きれいにたたまれた服が並んでいます。

Neatly folded clothes are lined up.

Passive past form used as an adjective.

たたみ方を教えてください。

Please teach me how to fold it.

Stem + kata (method of).

旅行の前に服を小さくたたみました。

I folded my clothes small before the trip.

Adverbial use of 'chiisaku'.

このテーブルは簡単にたためますか？

Can this table be folded easily?

Potential form question.

祖父はついに店をたたむことにした。

My grandfather finally decided to fold up (close) his shop.

Metaphorical use for closing a business.

雨がやんだら、すぐに傘をたたみなさい。

Fold your umbrella as soon as the rain stops.

Imperative form (nasai).

彼は新聞をたたんで脇に抱えた。

He folded the newspaper and tucked it under his arm.

Specific action with paper for storage.

このベビーカーは片手でたためるのが売りだ。

The selling point of this stroller is that it can be folded with one hand.

Potential form in a noun clause.

使い終わったテントをたたむのに苦労した。

I had a hard time folding the used tent.

Nominalized verb + particle 'ni'.

彼は計画をたたんで、新しい道を選んだ。

He folded (ended) his plans and chose a new path.

Metaphorical use for ending a plan.

着物をたたむのは特別な技術が必要です。

Folding a kimono requires special skill.

Cultural context.

店をたたむ前に、在庫を一掃した。

Before closing the shop, they cleared out the inventory.

Temporal clause with 'mae ni'.

不況の影響で、多くの会社が事業をたたんでいる。

Due to the recession, many companies are folding their operations.

Metaphorical use in business context.

彼女は質問をたたみかけるように彼を問い詰めた。

She pressed him with a barrage of questions.

Compound verb 'tatami-kakeru'.

その事件は、真相が闇にたたまれたまま終わった。

The incident ended with the truth still folded (hidden) in darkness.

Literary/Metaphorical use.

彼は自分の野望を胸の奥にたたみ込んだ。

He tucked his ambitions deep inside his heart.

Compound verb 'tatami-komu'.

長年続いた伝統行事が、ついに幕をたたんだ。

The long-standing traditional event finally brought down the curtain (ended).

Idiomatic expression 'maku o tatamu'.

折りたたみ式の自転車は、通勤に非常に便利だ。

Folding bicycles are very convenient for commuting.

Compound noun 'oritatami-shiki'.

彼は議論をたたむために、妥協案を提示した。

He proposed a compromise to wrap up (fold) the argument.

Metaphorical use for ending a discussion.

その手紙を丁寧にたたみ、封筒に戻した。

He folded the letter carefully and put it back in the envelope.

Action implying care and respect.

彼は過去の過ちを胸にたたみ、静かに余生を過ごした。

He folded his past mistakes into his heart and spent the rest of his life quietly.

Poetic/Metaphorical use.

記者はたたみかけるような口調で、政治家の責任を追及した。

The reporter pursued the politician's responsibility in a rapid-fire tone.

Adjectival use of 'tatami-kakeru'.

その古書店は、時代の波に抗えず店をたたむことになった。

The old bookstore had to close down, unable to resist the waves of the times.

Formal/Literary business context.

一連の騒動は、ようやく収束の方向へたたまれつつある。

The series of disturbances is finally being folded (brought) toward a conclusion.

Passive continuous form in formal context.

彼は自らの翼をたたむように、表舞台から姿を消した。

Like folding his own wings, he disappeared from the public eye.

Simile with metaphorical 'tatamu'.

この論文は、膨大なデータを簡潔な結論にたたみ込んでいる。

This paper folds (condenses) vast amounts of data into a concise conclusion.

Metaphorical use in academic context.

彼女は思い出をアルバムの中にたたみ、新しい街へ向かった。

She folded her memories into an album and headed for a new city.

Evocative literary use.

交渉は、最終段階で一気にたたみ込まれた。

The negotiations were wrapped up (folded in) all at once in the final stage.

Compound verb in passive form.

悠久の歴史が、この一冊の古文書にたたみ込まれている。

Eternal history is folded (encapsulated) into this single ancient document.

Highly formal/Philosophical use.

彼は、たたみかけるような不運に見舞われながらも、決して屈しなかった。

Even as he was struck by a succession of misfortunes, he never yielded.

Abstract use of 'tatami-kakeru'.

その作家は、人間の業を物語の底流にたたみ込む名手である。

That author is a master at folding (embedding) human karma into the undercurrents of his stories.

Metaphorical use in literary criticism.

国家の命運を賭けた戦いは、意外な形で幕をたたまされた。

The battle on which the nation's fate rested was forced to a close in an unexpected way.

Causative-passive form.

言論の自由が、権力によって無残にもたたみ込まれていった。

Freedom of speech was ruthlessly folded (suppressed) by those in power.

Metaphorical use for suppression.

彼は、自らの生涯を静かにたたみ、永遠の眠りについた。

He quietly folded (concluded) his life and entered eternal sleep.

Euphemism for death.

その哲学者は、宇宙の真理を数式の中にたたみ込もうと試みた。

The philosopher attempted to fold (encode) the truths of the universe into mathematical formulas.

Abstract/Scientific metaphor.

伝統の灯を絶やさぬよう、彼はその技術を後世にたたみ込んだ。

To ensure the light of tradition didn't go out, he folded (instilled) those skills into future generations.

Metaphorical use for passing on knowledge.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

洗濯物をたたむ (Fold laundry)

傘をたたむ (Fold an umbrella)

布団をたたむ (Fold a futon)

店をたたむ (Close a shop)

テントをたたむ (Fold a tent)

地図をたたむ (Fold a map)

羽をたたむ (Fold wings)

幕をたたむ (Close the curtain/end)

事業をたたむ (Fold a business)

新聞をたたむ (Fold a newspaper)

सामान्य वाक्यांश

店をたたむ (To go out of business)

折りたたみ傘 (Folding umbrella)

折りたたみ椅子 (Folding chair)

たたみかける (To press hard/barrage)

布団をたたむ (To put away bedding)

洗濯物をたたむ (To do the laundry folding)

幕をたたむ (To bring to an end)

たたみ込み (Convolution - in math/AI)

小さくたたむ (To fold small)

きれいにたたむ (To fold neatly)

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

たたむ vs 折る (Oru) - Folding paper/breaking.

たたむ vs 閉める (Shimeru) - Closing a door.

たたむ vs 閉じる (Tojiru) - Closing a book/eyes.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

たたむ vs 折る

Used for paper or rigid objects.

たたむ vs 閉める

Used for doors, windows, and lids.

たたむ vs 閉じる

Used for things that meet in the middle like books.

たたむ vs 片付ける

A general term for tidying up.

たたむ vs 巻く

Used for rolling things like scrolls or sleeping bags.

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

Storage

Tatamu usually implies putting something away for storage.

Soft vs Hard

Tatamu is for soft; Oru is for hard.

Permanent vs Temporary

Tatamu for business is permanent; Shimeru can be temporary.

सामान्य गलतियाँ

सुझाव

Particle Choice

Always use 'o' for the thing you are folding. 'Sentakumono o tatamu'.

Futon Care

In Japan, folding your futon every morning is a sign of discipline and respect.

Compound Verbs

Learn 'tatami-komu' to describe tucking feelings or data away.

Shopping

Look for 'tatameru' on labels for travel gear and portable items.

Kanji Link

The kanji 畳 contains 'field' and 'fold', hinting at mats used on floors.

Casual Command

In casual speech, 'tatande!' is a common way to ask someone to fold laundry.

Context Clues

If you hear 'mise' (shop) and 'tatamu', the news is likely about a business closing.

Descriptive Power

Use 'kirei ni tatamu' to emphasize someone's neatness.

Tidy Tatami

Remember: Tidy up the Tatami by Tatamu-ing the laundry.

Metaphorical Use

Try using 'maku o tatamu' to describe the end of a project.

याद करें

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

Old Japanese

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

Folding culture is a response to small Japanese living spaces.

Folding a kimono (hontatami) is a specific ritual to prevent wrinkles and preserve the silk.

Children are taught to fold their own gym clothes and towels from a young age.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"洗濯物をたたむのは好きですか？ (Do you like folding laundry?)"

"このテーブル、たためますか？ (Can this table be folded?)"

"最近、近所の店がたたんでしまいました。 (Recently, a neighborhood shop closed down.)"

"折りたたみ傘を持っていますか？ (Do you have a folding umbrella?)"

"布団をたたむのを手伝いましょうか？ (Shall I help you fold the futon?)"

डायरी विषय

今日、たたんだものをリストアップしてください。 (List the things you folded today.)

もし自分の店をたたむとしたら、どんな気持ちになりますか？ (If you had to fold your own shop, how would you feel?)

日本の「たたむ文化」についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about Japan's 'folding culture'?)

たたみ方が難しいと思ったものはありますか？ (Is there anything you found difficult to fold?)

「たたみかける」ように質問された経験はありますか？ (Have you ever been barraged with questions?)

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

Generally, no. Use 'oru' for paper. 'Tatamu' is only used for paper if it's a large sheet like a map or newspaper being folded for storage.

It is a standard verb. Use 'tatamimasu' to be polite.

'Shimeru' means closing for the night. 'Tatamu' means closing the business forever.

Use 'oritatami-shiki' (折りたたみ式) or the potential form 'tatameru'.

No, use 'ude o kumu'.

In very old slang or yakuza films, it can mean 'to finish someone off,' but do not use it this way in modern life!

Because tatami mats were originally thin and could be folded or stacked.

It means to do something (like asking questions) in rapid succession without giving the other person a break.

No, use 'shimeru' or 'tojiru'.

Yes, it requires an object and the particle 'o'.