1.
to get tangled, to become entangled
For threads, ropes, or similar things to become twisted together.
糸が絡んでほどけない。
The thread got tangled and I can't undo it.
ツルが木に絡んでいる。
Vines are wrapped around the tree.
コードが足に絡んだ。
The cord got tangled around my feet.
髪が絡んで梳かせない。
My hair is tangled and I can't comb it.
イヤホンのコードが絡まっている。
The earphone cord is tangled.
2.
to be connected with, to be involved in
For something to be related to or associated with a matter or issue.
この問題には複雑な事情が絡んでいる。
Complex circumstances are involved in this problem.
利益が絡んでいる。
Interests are involved.
金が絡む問題だ。
It's a matter involving money.
政治が絡んでいる。
Politics is involved.
人間関係が絡んで複雑だ。
Human relationships are involved, making it complicated.
3.
to pick a quarrel, to pester
To persistently bother someone, often when drunk.
酔っ払いに絡まれた。
I was pestered by a drunk.
しつこく絡んでくる。
They persistently bother me.
知らない人に絡まれた。
I was harassed by a stranger.
なぜ絡んでくるの。
Why are you picking on me?
いちいち絡まないで。
Don't nitpick at everything.
TRANSITIVITY: 自動詞 (intransitive). Transitive pair: 絡める (to entwine).
ASPECT: ている indicates state. 絡んでいる = 'is tangled/involved.'
COMMON PATTERNS:
- Xが絡む (X gets tangled)
- Xに絡む (to be involved in X)
- Xに絡まれる (to be pestered by X - passive)
MULTIPLE MEANINGS:
1. Physical tangling (threads, vines)
2. Abstract involvement (issues, circumstances)
3. Pestering behavior (especially by drunks)
TRANSITIVE PAIR:
- 絡む (intransitive) - to get tangled
- 絡める (transitive) - to entwine, involve