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B1 verb Neutral #3,000 most common 3 min read

埋まる

umaru /ɯmaɽɯ/
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Overview

The Japanese verb '埋まる' (umaru) is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be buried,' 'to be filled in,' or 'to be embedded.' It describes a state where something is covered, occupied, or contained within another substance or space, without the need for an external agent performing the action. This distinguishes it from the transitive verb '埋める' (umeru), which means 'to bury' or 'to fill in,' implying an active agent performing the burying or filling.

'埋まる' can be used in a variety of contexts:

  1. 1To be buried (literally): This is perhaps the most direct translation. For example, a treasure chest might be '埋まっている' (ummatte iru - is buried) underground, or a person might be '埋まる' in an avalanche.
  • 地下に宝物が埋まっている。(Chika ni takaramono ga ummatte iru.) - A treasure is buried underground.
  • 雪に車が埋まった。(Yuki ni kuruma ga umatta.) - The car was buried in the snow.
  1. 1To be filled in/up (space): When a hole, gap, or space becomes occupied. This could be a physical space being filled with dirt, water, or objects, or an abstract space like a schedule or a vacancy.
  • 穴が土で埋まった。(Ana ga tsuchi de umatta.) - The hole was filled with dirt.
  • その席はもう埋まっています。(Sono seki wa mou umatte imasu.) - That seat is already taken/filled.
  • スケジュールが会議で埋まっている。(Sukejūru ga kaigi de umatte iru.) - The schedule is filled with meetings.
  1. 1To be embedded/stuck in: This refers to something being fixed or lodged within a larger object or surface.
  • 壁に釘が埋まっている。(Kabe ni kugi ga umatte iru.) - A nail is embedded in the wall.
  • 骨にトゲが埋まった。(Hone ni toge ga umatta.) - A thorn got stuck in my bone.
  1. 1To be covered/submerged: When something is enveloped by a liquid or another substance.
  • 水に足が埋まる。(Mizu ni ashi ga umaru.) - My feet are submerged in the water.

Grammatical Forms and Nuances:

  • 〜ている (te iru): Often used to describe the ongoing state of being buried, filled, or embedded. E.g., '埋まっている' (ummatte iru - is buried/filled).
  • 〜た (ta): The past tense, indicating that the action of being buried/filled has completed. E.g., '埋まった' (umatta - was buried/filled).
  • Potential Form (埋まりうる/埋まることができる): Can be used, though less common, to express the possibility of something being buried or filled. E.g., 'その穴は雨で埋まるだろう。' (Sono ana wa ame de umaru darou.) - That hole will probably be filled by the rain.

Understanding the distinction between '埋まる' (intransitive) and '埋める' (transitive) is crucial for correct usage. If an agent is actively performing the burying or filling, '埋める' is used. If the subject itself is in the state of being buried or filled, '埋まる' is the appropriate choice.

Examples

1

穴が埋まる。

General

The hole is filled in.

2

予定が埋まっている。

Scheduling

My schedule is full.

3

ごみが土に埋まっている。

Environment

Garbage is buried in the ground.

4

その出来事は私の記憶に深く埋まっている。

Memory/Figurative

That incident is deeply buried in my memory.

5

雪に埋まる。

Nature

To be buried in snow.

Common Collocations

土に埋まる (tsuchi ni umaru - to be buried in the earth)
穴が埋まる (ana ga umaru - a hole gets filled)
席が埋まる (seki ga umaru - seats are filled)
予定が埋まる (yotei ga umaru - schedule is full)

Often Confused With

埋まる vs 埋める
transitive verb meaning 'to bury' or 'to fill in', while '埋まる' is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be buried' or 'to be filled in'. The particles used with them also differ: '埋める' often takes を (o) to mark the direct object being buried or filled, whereas '埋まる' often takes が (ga) to mark the subject that is buried or filled.

Grammar Patterns

〜が埋まる (something is buried/filled in) 〜で埋まる (to be filled with something)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

When using '埋まる' (umaru), it's important to consider the passive voice, as it means 'to be buried,' 'to be filled,' or 'to be covered.' The particle 'が' (ga) typically marks the subject that is being buried or filled. For example, '穴が埋まる' (ana ga umaru) means 'the hole is filled.' When referring to a schedule, '予定が埋まる' (yotei ga umaru) means 'the schedule is full.' If you want to express actively burying something, you would use the transitive verb '埋める' (umeru). For instance, '宝物を埋める' (takaramono o umeru) means 'to bury treasure.' It's common to see '埋まる' used in situations where something disappears from view or becomes completely covered by something else, such as a road being 'buried' in snow ('道が雪で埋まる'). It can also be used for abstract concepts, like a vacancy being filled ('席が埋まる'). The choice between '埋まる' and '埋める' depends on whether the subject is performing the action or receiving the action.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake when using '埋まる' (umaru) is confusing it with similar-sounding verbs or verbs with related but distinct meanings. For instance, '埋める' (umeru) means 'to bury, to fill (something)', and it's a transitive verb, whereas '埋まる' (umaru) is intransitive, meaning 'to be buried, to be filled in'. The nuance is whether the action is being done *to* something (transitive) or if something *is* undergoing the action on its own (intransitive). Another mistake can be using it in contexts where a more specific verb would be better. For example, if you mean 'to be full' in the sense of a stomach, you'd use 'お腹がいっぱいになる' (onaka ga ippai ni naru) rather than '埋まる'. If a hole is completely filled with water, '水でいっぱいになる' (mizu de ippai ni naru) or '水がたまる' (mizu ga tamaru) might be more natural depending on the context. Also, misinterpreting the 'filled in' aspect: '埋まる' implies something is completely covered or occupied. It’s not just 'being in something' but 'being completely submerged or integrated into something else.' For example, a vacant seat '埋まる' means it's now occupied. A hole '埋まる' means it's completely filled with earth or something else. It's important to remember the passive or intransitive nature and the sense of completeness it conveys.

Tips

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Usage Contexts of '埋まる' (umaru)

'埋まる' (umaru) is a versatile Japanese verb that primarily means 'to be buried,' 'to be filled in,' or 'to be covered.' However, its usage extends to various contexts, often implying a state of completion, saturation, or occupation. For instance, it can describe a hole being filled with dirt (穴が埋まる - ana ga umaru), a schedule being fully booked (予定が埋まる - yotei ga umaru), a vacancy being filled (空席が埋まる - kūseki ga umaru), or even a person's emotions being overwhelmed (心が埋まる - kokoro ga umaru). Understanding these different applications is crucial for accurate comprehension and natural expression in Japanese.
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Common Pitfalls and Nuances

While '埋まる' often translates directly, there are subtle nuances to be aware of. One common pitfall is confusing it with transitive verbs like '埋める' (umeru - to bury, to fill). '埋まる' is intransitive, meaning the action happens to the subject without a direct object. For example, a hole 'fills in' (穴が埋まる), while someone 'fills' a hole (穴を埋める). Another nuance lies in its metaphorical uses. When referring to schedules or vacancies, it implies a state of being completely occupied, which might not be immediately obvious from a literal translation. Always consider the context to grasp the precise meaning. Furthermore, in some idiomatic expressions, '埋まる' can convey a sense of being compensated or covered, such as making up for a deficit (赤字が埋まる - akaji ga umaru).
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Mastering '埋まる' for Natural Japanese Expression

To effectively use '埋まる,' focus on recognizing its various grammatical patterns and idiomatic expressions. Pay attention to the particles used, as they often signal the specific meaning. For example, using 'が' (ga) with '埋まる' typically indicates the subject that is being filled or buried, as in '土で穴が埋まる' (tsuchi de ana ga umaru - the hole is filled with dirt). Practicing with example sentences in diverse contexts will solidify your understanding. Try creating your own sentences using '埋まる' to describe everything from physical spaces being filled to abstract concepts like time or vacancies being occupied. This active engagement will help you internalize its usage and use it naturally in your Japanese communication.

Word Origin

From Old Japanese. The word 埋まる (umaru) is an intransitive verb derived from the transitive verb 埋める (umeru), meaning 'to bury' or 'to fill'. The root of these words is believed to be related to words signifying 'to cover' or 'to close'. It shares etymological roots with words like 覆う (ou, to cover) and 篭る (komoru, to be confined). The concept of 'being buried' or 'being filled' has been present in the Japanese language for over 1000 years, evolving from its original usage to encompass a wider range of meanings, including the filling of spaces, schedules, and even financial compensation.

Cultural Context

The word '埋まる' (umaru) in Japanese holds various cultural nuances depending on the context. In a literal sense, it can refer to something being buried, covered, or filled in, often seen in practices like burying a deceased person or filling a hole in the ground. Metaphorically, it can describe a situation where a person is 'buried' in work, indicating a heavy workload or being completely engrossed in a task. It can also be used to describe a schedule that is completely 'filled up' with appointments, leaving no free time. There's a sense of completion or being fully occupied that resonates with the Japanese value of diligence and commitment. In some cases, it can evoke a feeling of being overwhelmed or constrained, particularly when referring to being buried under responsibilities or difficulties. The concept of 'being buried' can also relate to historical or cultural artifacts being rediscovered after being hidden or lost for a long time, symbolizing a connection to the past.

Memory Tip

Visualize '埋まる' (umaru) as 'U MA RU' – 'Under Many Rocks, Under Many Roots' where something is buried. Imagine a treasure chest buried under many rocks and roots, completely filled in and covered by the earth. This helps connect the sound to the meaning of being buried or filled in, emphasizing the 'covered' aspect.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions
埋まる (umaru) is a Japanese verb meaning 'to be buried,' 'to be filled in,' 'to be submerged,' or 'to be covered.' It describes a state where something is enclosed or covered by another substance, often soil, sand, water, or snow. It can also refer to a hole or space being filled up.
Yes, 埋まる (umaru) can be used for both physical and abstract concepts. While it often refers to physical objects being buried or filled in, it can also describe situations where a gap or vacancy is filled, or a deficit is covered. For example, a vacant position in a company can be 'filled' (埋まる).
The key difference lies in their transitivity. 埋まる (umaru) is an intransitive verb, meaning the action happens to the subject without a direct object. For example, 'The hole filled up' (穴が埋まる). 埋める (umeru) is a transitive verb, meaning the subject performs the action on a direct object. For example, 'I filled the hole' (私が穴を埋める). So, 埋まる describes the state of being filled or buried, while 埋める describes the act of filling or burying something.
Yes, there are several common phrases. For instance, '雪に埋まる' (yuki ni umaru) means 'to be buried in snow.' '土に埋まる' (tsuchi ni umaru) means 'to be buried in soil.' '席が埋まる' (seki ga umaru) means 'the seats are filled' or 'there are no empty seats.' Another common usage is in the context of schedules, such as '予定が埋まる' (yotei ga umaru), meaning 'the schedule is full' or 'my calendar is booked.'

Test Yourself

fill blank

土に___ (umari)ました。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
fill blank

この席はもう___ (umatte)います。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
fill blank

穴が___ (umaru)まで土を入れる。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /3

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