1.
to creak; to squeak; to grate
For something to make a creaking or squeaking sound due to friction, pressure, or wear. Commonly used for doors, floors, wheels, and joints.
古い扉が軋んで開いた。
The old door opened with a creak.
床が軋む音がした。
The floor made a creaking sound.
2.
to be strained; to have friction (in relationships)
Used figuratively to describe tension or discord in relationships or organizations.
両国の関係が軋んでいる。
Relations between the two countries are strained.
TRANSITIVITY: Intransitive verb (自動詞).
CONJUGATION: Godan verb (-む type)
- 軋まない (negative)
- 軋みます (polite)
- 軋んで (te-form)
- 軋んだ (past)
ONOMATOPOEIC ORIGIN:
The word captures the きしきし sound of creaking.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 扉が軋む - a door creaks
- 床が軋む - the floor creaks
- 歯を軋らせる - to grind one's teeth
- 関係が軋む - relations become strained
RELATED VOCABULARY:
- 軋み - creaking (noun)
- きしきし - onomatopoeia for creaking
REGISTER:
Neutral. Common in descriptive writing and everyday conversation.