頼み込む

• Reading: たのみこむ
• Romaji: tanomikomu
• Kanji breakdown: 頼 (rai/tano) — to request, to rely | 込 (ko) — to go into, thoroughly
• Pronunciation: /ta.no.mi.ko.mɯ/

Meaning

To plead with; to beg earnestly; to implore; to press someone with an urgent request.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb from 頼む (to request, to rely on) and 込む (indicating completeness, thoroughness, or depth). The combination intensifies the request to the point of earnest pleading or imploring, suggesting the speaker is pressing their case with great persistence or emotion. It implies the request is made repeatedly or with considerable urgency.

Examples

1. 息子は母に何度も頼み込んで、ようやく新しいゲーム機を買ってもらえた。 The son pleaded with his mother again and again, and at last managed to get her to buy him a new games console.
2. 取引先の担当者に頼み込み、締め切りを一週間延ばしてもらうことに成功した。 He successfully pleaded with the person in charge at the client company to extend the deadline by one week.
3. 彼女は有名な職人に弟子入りを頼み込んだが、三度断られてもあきらめなかった。 She earnestly begged a renowned craftsman to take her on as an apprentice, but even after being refused three times she did not give up.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal requests, negotiation, persistence, daily life

Tone: pleading

Origin & History

Compound of 頼む (to request, to ask; from Old Japanese) and 込む (to be packed in, to do thoroughly). The thoroughness implied by 込む intensifies the appeal to an earnest, persistent plea.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo–Present

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal