包む

• Reading: つつむ
• Romaji: tsutsumu
• Kanji breakdown: 包 (hou/tsutsu) — wrap, cover, envelop
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.tsɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

To wrap; to cover; to envelop. The action of enclosing something in paper, cloth, or other material.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb conjugated with the む row. Commonly used for gift wrapping (プレゼントを包む), wrapping food (おにぎりを包む), and figuratively for being enveloped (霧に包まれる). Gift wrapping is culturally significant in Japan.

Examples

1. プレゼントをきれいな紙で包みました。 I wrapped the present in pretty paper.
2. 山が霧に包まれて見えません。 The mountain is covered in fog and can't be seen.
3. お弁当をハンカチで包んで持って行きます。 I wrap my lunch box in a handkerchief and take it with me.

Usage Guide

Context: gifts, cooking, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese つつむ. The kanji 包 depicts a person (勹) containing something (巳) inside, visually representing the concept of wrapping or enclosing.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal