はまる

• Reading: はまる
• Romaji: hamaru
• Pronunciation: /ha.ma.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To fit perfectly; to fall into; to become absorbed in; to be hooked on. Covers both physical fitting and habitual absorption.

A Group 1 (godan) verb with a wide range of uses. Physically, it describes something fitting snugly into place. Figuratively, the most common usage describes becoming deeply absorbed in or addicted to something — a hobby, a drama series, a game. Also used when someone falls into a trap or predictable pattern. The colloquial はまった (I got hooked) is extremely common in everyday speech.

Examples

1. このゲームにはまってから、毎日何時間も費やしている。 Ever since I got hooked on this game, I've been spending hours on it every day.
2. 部品がぴったりはまって、機械が正常に動くようになった。 The part fit perfectly into place, and the machine started working properly.
3. 彼女の手口にすっかりはまってしまい、気づいたときには遅かった。 I fell completely for her scheme, and by the time I realized it, it was too late.

Usage Guide

Context: hobbies, daily life, traps, addiction

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese はまる, related to a socket or groove that accepts an object. The physical sense of fitting snugly expanded to the idea of the mind 'slotting into' a pleasurable activity or difficult situation — becoming absorbed to the point where escape is difficult.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal