Japanese word

くるむ

Pronunciation

Romajikurumu

Meaning

  • verbwrap

Example

店員は商品を紙でくるみます。ten in wa shō hin o kami de ku ru mi ma su

The clerk wraps the item in paper.

Illustration for くるむ (wrap)

More examples

割れ物を新聞紙でくるみます。wa re mono o shin bun shi de ku ru mi ma su

I wrap fragile items in newspaper.

Core concept

Centers on enclosing an object or person by folding material around it, often leaving the contents covered from view.

Common phrases

  • 包帯でくるむhō tai de ku ru mu

    wrap in a bandage

  • 風呂敷でくるむfu ro shiki de ku ru mu

    wrap in a furoshiki

Similar words

包むtsutsumu: To put material around something so that it is enclosed or covered.
巻くmaku: To wind something around an object, person, or body part.
包装するhōsōsuru: To cover products with materials before storage, transport, or sale.

Definition in Japanese

物や人を布や紙などで包み込むこと。mono ya hito o nuno ya kami na do de tsutsu mi ko mu ko to

Word origin

The native Japanese verb くるむ (kurumu) is traditionally analyzed as くる (kuru, "to wrap around") plus the verb-forming ending む (mu).

Usage tips

  • The Japanese verb くるむ (kurumu) applies to wrapping a baby in a blanket as well as covering an object, so its use extends beyond ordinary packaging.

Other meanings

  • roll upverb

Related words

  • くるみ方kurumikataway of wrappingnoun

Word lists with this word