Going In, or All the Way 込む

Attach 込[こ]む to a verb stem to add depth or inward movement. With motion verbs, it often means “go into / put into.” With other verbs, it can mean doing something thoroughly, intensely, or for a long time.

飛び込む combines 飛ぶ, “fly / jump,” with 込む to show entering a space. Other motion compounds include 入り込む, “go deep inside,” and 押し込む, “push into.”

考え込む means to become absorbed in thought. Similar compounds describe an action becoming intense or lasting: 黙り込む, “fall silent”; 読み込む, “read closely / load in.” The base verb suggests which action is happening; 込む adds the sense of depth or immersion.

Vocabulary