Word
踏み込む
Meaning in Englishto step into (someone else's territory, to break into, to raid
Animated kanji stroke order
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Word context
What it means
踏み込む means to step into or enter a space or situation more directly, physically or metaphorically, often implying initiative or probing.
Main meanings
- Physical entry into a space or location.
- Metaphorically entering a topic, discussion, or issue with depth or assertiveness.
- Crossing boundaries or intruding into someone’s personal or professional space.
- Investigating or probing to uncover details.
How to use it
Used in formal writing and everyday speech to indicate stepping into action or entering a situation. Common collocations include 議論に踏み込む, 話題に踏み込む, and 相手の領域に踏み込む; context determines whether the nuance is proactive, invasive, or investigative.
Variants and close terms
- 切り込む (kirikomu) — to thrust into a situation, often more forceful
- 侵入する (shinnyū suru) — to invade or trespass, more formal
- 退く (shirizoku) — to step back, antonym
Composition
- 踏: to step on; base meaning relates to foot and contact
- 込: to go into, to crowd in; conveys entering or inclusion
Etymology
踏む from stepping; 込む meaning to go into; combination forms the verb meaning to step into.
Word class
verb (五段動詞)
Word
Related words by kanji and components
N1
込める
komeru
to include, to put into
N1
飲み込む
nomikomu
to gulp down, to swallow deeply, to understand
N1
乗り込む
norikomu
to board, to get into (a car); to march into, to enter
N1
打ち込む
uchikomu
to devote oneself to, to shoot into
N1
埋め込む
umekomu
to embed, implant
N1
追い込む
oikomu
to herd, to corner, to drive
N1
押し込む
oshikomu
to push into, to crowd into
N1
落ち込む
ochikomu
to get depressed
N1
組み込む
kumikomu
to insert, to include, to cut in (printing)
Kanji