Japanese word

引っ込む

Pronunciation

Romajihikkomu

Meaning

  • verbstep back

Example

前に出すぎたので、少し引っ込みます。mae ni de su gi ta no de suko shi hi kko mi ma su

I stepped too far forward, so I will step back a little.

Illustration for 引っ込む (step back)

More examples

カメラを向けると、猫は箱の中へ引っ込みました。ka me ra o mu ke ru to neko wa bako no naka e hi kko mi ma shi ta

When I pointed the camera at it, the cat retreated into the box.

Core concept

Describes movement from an exposed or forward position into a less exposed, more inward one.

Common phrases

  • 奥へ引っ込むoku e hi kko mu

    retreat farther inside

  • 人前から引っ込むhito mae ka ra hi kko mu

    withdraw from public view

  • 家に引っ込むie ni hi kko mu

    retreat to one's home

Similar words

下がるsagaru: To move backward from a current position without specifying a reason or destination.
引き下がるhikisagaru: To withdraw from a position, demand, or confrontation instead of continuing to press it.
退くshirizoku: To leave a place or position by moving away from it, especially to make room for others.
後退するkōtaisuru: To move backward from a previous position, especially during a planned retreat.

Definition in Japanese

前方や外側に出ていたものが、後方や内側へ移ること。zen pō ya soto gawa ni de te i ta mo no ga kō hō ya uchi gawa e utsu ru ko to

Word origin

The native Japanese compound verb 引っ込む (hikkomu) combines 引く (hiku, "pull") and 込む (komu, "go into"), expressing movement inward.

Usage tips

  • The intransitive verb 引っ込む (hikkomu) describes the subject moving inward or back, while 引っ込める (hikkomeru) describes someone making something do so.

Other meanings

  • cave inverb
  • sinkverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 引っ込めるhikkomerupull backverb
  • 引っ込みhikkomiwithdrawalnoun

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