1.
to fit; to insert
To put something into a frame, slot, or opening so it fits precisely.
窓にガラスを嵌めた。
I fitted glass into the window.
蓋を嵌めてください。
Please put the lid on.
枠に写真を嵌める。
Fit a photo in the frame.
パズルのピースを嵌める。
Fit the puzzle piece.
ドアに鍵を嵌めた。
I fitted a lock on the door.
2.
to put on (ring, gloves)
To put jewelry or accessories on one's fingers or hands.
指輪を嵌めている。
She's wearing a ring.
手袋を嵌めて作業する。
Work with gloves on.
婚約指輪を嵌めた。
I put on the engagement ring.
腕時計を嵌める。
Put on a wristwatch.
ゴム手袋を嵌めている。
I'm wearing rubber gloves.
3.
to trap; to set up
To deceive or frame someone.
彼は誰かに嵌められたようだ。
It seems he was set up by someone.
罠に嵌めようとした。
They tried to trap me.
詐欺に嵌められた。
I was tricked by a scam.
同僚に嵌められて解雇された。
I was framed by a colleague and fired.
見事に嵌められた。
I was completely set up.
嵌める is a transitive verb (他動詞) with meanings ranging from fitting things to trapping people.
INTRANSITIVE PAIR: 嵌まる (to fit into, to be stuck)
- 嵌める: I fit the glass in.
- 嵌まる: The glass fits in.
ASPECT (ている):
嵌めている indicates something is fitted/worn, or someone has been set up.
PARTICLE PATTERNS:
- [thing]を[opening]に嵌める — to fit [thing] into [opening]
- [ring/gloves]を嵌める — to put on [ring/gloves]
- [person]を嵌める — to trap/set up [person]
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 指輪を嵌める (put on a ring)
- 手袋を嵌める (put on gloves)
- 罠に嵌める (trap someone)
OFTEN IN HIRAGANA:
This verb is frequently written as はめる due to the kanji's rarity.
COLLOQUIAL USE:
嵌められた (I was set up!) is common in casual speech when claiming to have been tricked or framed.