()める

つめる
verb (ichidan)
to pack, to stuff, to shorten
1. to pack, to stuff
To fill tightly with something.
スーツケースに荷物(にもつ)()める。
To pack luggage in a suitcase.
(はこ)にお菓子(かし)()める。
To pack sweets in a box.
弁当(べんとう)()める。
To pack a lunch box.
2. to shorten, to narrow
To reduce space or distance.
距離(きょり)()める。
To close the gap.
(せき)(あいだ)()めてください。
Please close the gap between seats.
もう(すこ)()めれば(すわ)れる。
If we squeeze in a bit more, we can sit down.

()める has two main meanings: to pack/stuff something, or to close a gap/shorten.

TRANSITIVITY:

  • Type: 他動詞(たどうし) (transitive)
  • Pair: ()まる (intransitive, to be packed/clogged)

ASPECT (ている):
()めている indicates something is packed or that one is in the process of packing.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 〜に()める: to pack into ~
  • 距離(きょり)()める: to close the distance
  • ()()める: to reduce the gap/interval
  • (いき)()める: to hold one's breath

RELATED:

  • ()()む: to cram, stuff in