1.
to save up, to store
To collect and keep for later.
お金を溜める。
To save money.
ポイントを溜める。
To collect points.
旅行のためにお金を溜めている。
I'm saving money for a trip.
2.
to let pile up
To allow things to accumulate.
ストレスを溜めないで。
Don't let stress build up.
仕事を溜めないようにしよう。
Let's try not to let work pile up.
洗い物を溜めてしまった。
I let the dishes pile up.
溜める is an ichidan verb meaning to save up or let accumulate.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
- Pair: 溜まる (intransitive, to pile up)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- お金を溜める: to save money
- ポイントを溜める: to collect points
- ストレスを溜める: to let stress build up
- 力を溜める: to build up strength
- 息を溜める: to hold one's breath
KANJI NOTE:
Also written as 貯める (貯金 = savings). 溜める emphasizes accumulation; 貯める emphasizes storing/saving.