Japanese Learning

What is the meaning of “詰める”?

WordReadingMeaning
詰めるつめるto fill

I
1〔物を一杯に入れる〕fill ((with));stuff ((with, into));cram ((into));jam ((in, into))
瓶に油を詰めた
I filled the bottle with oil.
この布団には羽毛が詰めてある
This comforter is stuffed [padded] with feathers.
ダンボールに本を詰める
pack a cardboard box with books
小さいバスにいっぱい人を詰める
cram people into a small bus
袋に食料を詰める
jam food into a bag

2〔透き間がないようにする〕
もう少し詰めてください
Please sit [squeeze up] a little closer (together).
奥へお詰め願います
Move [Step] back to the rear, please.
そんなに詰めて書くと読みにくいよ
It is hard to read if you write so closely.

3〔通じなくする〕
息を詰めてけんかを見守った
Holding my breath, I watched the fight.

4〔縮める〕shorten; cut down
スカート丈を5センチ詰める
shorten a skirt (by) five centimeters





II
1〔倹約する〕
人件費を半分に詰めても事業はまだ赤字だ
The business is still in the red even after cutting (down on) personnel expenses by half.
詰めた生活をすれば年金で暮らせる
If you live frugally, you can manage on your pension.

2〔将棋などで〕checkmate ((the king));mate

3〔そこに出向いて勤務する〕
月曜日は本店に詰めています
I am at the head office on Mondays.
そこには警官が常時詰めている
There are always policemen stationed [on duty] there.

4〔一心に続ける〕
細かい仕事を詰めてやると目を悪くする
Doing fine work continuously will ruin your eyes.

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