To wrap or encase something, either physically or metaphorically.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To cover something completely with paper, cloth, or other material.
- Used metaphorically to describe being surrounded by feelings or atmosphere.
- Commonly used when gifting or preparing food.
使用パターン
基本的な文型は「AをBで包む」です。Aには対象となる物、Bには手段や材料（紙、布、風呂敷など）が入ります。また、受身形の「包まれる」もよく使われ、霧や光、あるいは優しさなどに囲まれている状態を表します。
一般的な文脈
日常生活では、プレゼントを包装紙で包む、おにぎりをラップで包むといった場面で頻繁に使われます。また、文学的な表現では「静寂に包まれる」「優しさに包まれる」のように、抽象的な概念が対象を覆う様子を表現する際にも用いられます。
類語との比較
「くるむ」は、布や毛布などで対象をすっぽりと覆うというニュアンスが強く、形が不定形なものに使われることが多いです。「包む」は、より広く、紙や箱で梱包する場合や、抽象的な対象に対しても使用できる汎用性の高い言葉です。
Examples
プレゼントを包装紙で包む。
everydayWrap a gift with wrapping paper.
機密情報を封筒に包んで送る。
formalSend confidential information wrapped in an envelope.
赤ん坊を毛布で包む。
informalWrap a baby in a blanket.
歴史の闇に包まれた事件。
academicAn incident shrouded in the darkness of history.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
包み隠さず話す
To speak without hiding anything
優しさに包まれて
Wrapped in kindness
秘密を包む
To keep a secret
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to wrapping something around an object, often using fabric. It implies a tighter, more physical wrapping than the general 'tsutsumu'.
Means to pack or stuff something into a container. It focuses on filling space rather than covering the surface.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The verb 'tsutsumu' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. When used in the passive voice 'tsutsumareru', it often carries a poetic or emotional tone. Ensure you distinguish it from 'tsumeru' (to pack) to avoid confusion in daily life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'tsutsumu' when they mean 'tsumeru' (to pack a bag). Also, remember that 'tsutsumu' requires an object to be covered, so it cannot be used intransitively in the same way as 'to wrap' might be used loosely in English.
Tips
Think of wrapping a gift
Visualizing the act of wrapping a present helps remember the core meaning. It covers the object entirely from the outside.
Distinguish from packing
While 'tsutsumu' is wrapping, 'tsumeru' is packing/stuffing. Be careful not to confuse the two when talking about suitcases or boxes.
The Furoshiki culture
The Japanese tradition of 'furoshiki' (wrapping cloth) is deeply connected to this verb. It reflects the value of protecting items and being eco-friendly.
Word Origin
Derived from ancient Japanese words related to covering or hiding. It has been used since the Heian period to describe both physical wrapping and the concealment of emotions.
Cultural Context
In Japan, the presentation of gifts is highly valued. 'Tsutsumu' is central to this, as the act of wrapping is considered a sign of respect and care for the recipient.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Tsu-tsu-mu' (two-two-mu) person wrapping two gifts with two hands. The sound is soft, just like the act of wrapping something gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「包む」は紙や箱で梱包するような場合も含め、より広く使われます。「くるむ」は毛布などでぐるりと巻き込むような動作を指すことが多く、物理的な接触がより強い表現です。
はい、使えます。例えば「優しさに包まれる」や「闇に包まれる」など、ある環境や感情が対象を覆っている状態を表す際によく使われます。
基本的には「つつむ」と読みます。読み方は一つですが、文脈によって物理的なラッピングから精神的な保護まで幅広い意味を持ちます。
「～に包まれる」という形で、あるものによって覆われている状態を表します。例として「霧に包まれた山」などが挙げられます。
Test Yourself
プレゼントをきれいな紙で___。
プレゼントを紙で覆う行為は「包む」を使います。
次のうち、自然な文はどれですか？
感情や環境が人を覆う比喩表現として非常に自然です。
（おにぎりを / ラップで / 私は / 包んだ）
主語、目的語、手段の順序が最も標準的です。
Score: /3
Summary
To wrap or encase something, either physically or metaphorically.
- To cover something completely with paper, cloth, or other material.
- Used metaphorically to describe being surrounded by feelings or atmosphere.
- Commonly used when gifting or preparing food.
Think of wrapping a gift
Visualizing the act of wrapping a present helps remember the core meaning. It covers the object entirely from the outside.
Distinguish from packing
While 'tsutsumu' is wrapping, 'tsumeru' is packing/stuffing. Be careful not to confuse the two when talking about suitcases or boxes.
The Furoshiki culture
The Japanese tradition of 'furoshiki' (wrapping cloth) is deeply connected to this verb. It reflects the value of protecting items and being eco-friendly.
Examples
4 of 4プレゼントを包装紙で包む。
Wrap a gift with wrapping paper.
機密情報を封筒に包んで送る。
Send confidential information wrapped in an envelope.
赤ん坊を毛布で包む。
Wrap a baby in a blanket.
歴史の闇に包まれた事件。
An incident shrouded in the darkness of history.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
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~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
