()()める

しきつめる
ichidan verb, transitive
to spread all over; to cover entirely; to pave
1. to spread all over; to cover entirely
To lay or spread something across an entire surface without gaps.
(にわ)砂利(じゃり)()()めた。
I spread gravel all over the garden.
(ゆか)にタイルを()()める工事(こうじ)(はじ)まった。
Work to tile the entire floor has begun.
部屋(へや)一面(いちめん)(たたみ)()()めた和室(わしつ)()()く。
A Japanese-style room with tatami mats covering the entire floor is calming.

CONSTRUCTION:
Compound verb from ()く (to spread, lay) + ()める (to pack, fill). The ()める component adds the sense of leaving no gaps.

TRANSITIVITY:
Transitive verb. The thing being spread takes を, and the surface takes に.

COMMON OBJECTS:

  • 砂利(じゃり)()()める - to spread gravel
  • タイルを()()める - to lay tiles
  • (たたみ)()()める - to cover with tatami
  • 芝生(しばふ)()()める - to cover with lawn
  • レンガを()()める - to pave with bricks