1.
to insert; to plug in
To put something into a slot, socket, or opening.
鍵を差し込む。
To insert a key.
コンセントにプラグを差し込んでください。
Please plug the plug into the outlet.
カードを差し込んでパスワードを入力してください。
Insert your card and enter your password.
2.
to shine in; to stream in
For light to come in through an opening, especially sunlight through a window.
光が差し込む。
Light streams in.
窓から朝日が差し込んでいた。
Morning sunlight was streaming in through the window.
木の間から木漏れ日が差し込んで、森の中が明るく見えた。
Sunlight filtered in between the trees, making the forest look bright.
差し込む has both transitive and intransitive uses depending on the meaning.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Sense 1 (insert): transitive (他動詞)
- Sense 2 (shine in): intransitive (自動詞)
ASPECT (ている):
- 差し込んでいる (plugged in): something remains inserted
- 差し込んでいる (light): light is streaming in continuously
PARTICLE PATTERNS:
- [thing]を[slot]に差し込む — to insert [thing] into [slot]
- [light]が差し込む — [light] shines in
COMMON PATTERNS:
- プラグを差し込む (plug in)
- 鍵を差し込む (insert a key)
- 光が差し込む (light streams in)
- 木漏れ日が差し込む (sunlight filtering through trees)
RELATED WORDS:
- 差し込み口: outlet, socket
- コンセント: electrical outlet (from "concentric plug")