問(と)い詰(つ)める

といつめる
ichidan verb
to press for answers, to interrogate
1. to press for answers, to interrogate, to question persistently
To question someone persistently and aggressively until they give a definitive answer or confession. Often implies putting someone on the spot.
真実(しんじつ)を問(と)い詰(つ)める
to press for the truth
親(おや)に問(と)い詰(つ)められた。
I was questioned relentlessly by my parents.
彼(かれ)は問(と)い詰(つ)められて、ついに本当(ほんとう)のことを話(はな)した。
Pressed for answers, he finally told the truth.

TRANSITIVITY: Transitive (他動詞(たどうし)). Takes を particle for the person being questioned: ～を問(と)い詰(つ)める, or about + を for what is being asked about.

CONJUGATION: Ichidan verb: 問(と)い詰(つ)めない, 問(と)い詰(つ)めます, 問(と)い詰(つ)めて.

NUANCE: 問(と)い詰(つ)める implies persistent, aggressive questioning that doesn't let the person evade. It's stronger than simply 聞(き)く (to ask) and suggests cornering someone verbally.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 真実(しんじつ)/本当(ほんとう)のことを問(と)い詰(つ)める (to press for the truth)
  • ～を問(と)い詰(つ)める (to interrogate someone)
  • しつこく問(と)い詰(つ)める (to question persistently)
  • 問(と)い詰(つ)められる (to be pressed for answers - passive)

RELATED WORDS:

  • 詰(つ)め寄(よ)る (to press, corner - more physical)
  • 追及(ついきゅう)する (to pursue, investigate)
  • 尋問(じんもん)する (to interrogate - formal/legal)
general
Added 2026.1.31 20:25
09000/09147_toitsumeru