引っ込む

• Reading: ひっこむ
• Romaji: hikkomu
• Kanji breakdown: 引 (in/hi) — pull, draw back; 込 (ko) — inward, gathered
• Pronunciation: /hik.ko.mɯ/

Meaning

To withdraw; to retreat; to go inside; to stay indoors; to back down. Used for physical retreat and social withdrawal.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb from 引く (hiku, to pull back) + 込む (komu, to go inward). Physically describes entering an enclosed space, hiding away, or physically retreating from a position. Socially, describes backing down from a stance, becoming introverted, or keeping a low profile. The related noun 引っ込み思案 describes a shy or retiring personality.

Examples

1. 批判された途端、彼はすぐに引っ込んで黙ってしまった。 The moment he was criticized, he immediately withdrew and fell silent.
2. 嵐の前に野良猫たちはみな物陰に引っ込んでいた。 Before the storm, all the stray cats had retreated into the shadows.
3. 恥ずかしがり屋の彼女は、大人数の場所ではいつも引っ込んでしまう。 Being shy, she always withdraws into herself in large groups.

Usage Guide

Context: personality, emotions, social situations, nature

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 引く (hiku, to pull or draw back) and 込む (komu, to become inward or gathered). The combination conveys the motion of pulling oneself inward, away from the outside world or a confrontational situation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal