割り込む

• Reading: わりこむ
• Romaji: warikomu
• Kanji breakdown: 割 (katsu/waru) — to split, to wedge through; 込 (nyū/komu) — to press in, to go deeply
• Pronunciation: /wa.ɾi.ko.mɯ/

Meaning

To cut in; to break in; to interrupt; to intrude. Describes forcing oneself into a line, conversation, or situation without permission.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb from 割る (to divide, to wedge through) and 込む (to go deeply in). Together they describe forcing an entry into an existing space — whether a queue, a conversation, or a market. The act is typically unwelcome, implying social friction or competitive intrusion.

Examples

1. 列に割り込んでくる人を注意したら、逆に怒鳴られた。 When I called out someone for cutting in line, they yelled at me instead.
2. 二人の大事な会話に唐突に割り込むのは失礼だと思う。 I think it's rude to barge into an important conversation between two people.
3. 競合他社が市場に割り込んできたことで、価格競争が激化した。 A competitor broke into the market, intensifying the price war.

Usage Guide

Context: queuing, conversation, business, social behaviour, competition

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 割る (waru — to split open, to wedge in) and 込む (komu — to go deeply into, to press in). The 込む suffix conveys intrusion into a space already occupied by others. It reflects the physical image of forcing a gap in something solid.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General