Processing keyword: Noun まみれ (~mamire)
Japanese Grammar Point: Noun まみれ (~mamire)
1. Introduction
The grammar point 〜まみれ (〜mamire) is a noun suffix in Japanese used to describe someone or something that is covered or soaked in an undesirable substance. It conveys the meaning of being smeared, stained, or immersed in something unpleasant.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
〜まみれ means "covered in ~" or "stained with ~", often implying that the subject is heavily soiled or tainted by the substance. It emphasizes that the substance is all over the surface of the person or thing.
Structure
The basic structure is:
Noun (undesirable substance) + まみれ
- Noun: Typically an undesirable or negative substance (e.g., mud, blood, dust).
- まみれ: Indicates being covered or stained with that substance.
Formation Diagram
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Noun (Substance) | The substance covering the subject |
| + | |
| まみれ | Suffix meaning "covered in" |
Visual Aid
Imagine a person who fell into mud:
- 泥 (どろ) + まみれ = 泥まみれ
doromamire - "covered in mud"
3. Comparative Analysis
まみれ vs. だらけ vs. ずくめ
While まみれ, だらけ, and ずくめ all indicate a state of being filled or covered with something, they have distinct uses:
- まみれ (mamire)
- Usage: Physical substances that one gets smeared or stained with.
- Connotation: Negative, undesirable substances.
- Example: 汗まみれ (asemamire) - covered in sweat.
- だらけ (darake)
- Usage: Indicates something is full of a certain undesirable element.
- Connotation: Negative, often mistakes or errors.
- Example: ゴミだらけ (gomi darake) - full of garbage.
- ずくめ (zukume)
- Usage: Used for emphasizing uniformity, often with colors or events.
- Connotation: Can be positive or negative.
- Example: 黒ずくめ (kuro zukume) - dressed all in black.
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
- 彼は汗まみれになった。
- Kare wa ase mamire ni natta.
- He became covered in sweat.
- 子どもたちは泥まみれで帰ってきた。
- Kodomo-tachi wa doro mamire de kaette kita.
- The children came back covered in mud.
- その手紙は血まみれだった。
- Sono tegami wa chi mamire datta.
- That letter was stained with blood.
- ほこりまみれの古い本を見つけた。
- Hokori mamire no furui hon o mitsuketa.
- I found an old book covered in dust.
- 彼の服はペンキまみれだ。
- Kare no fuku wa penki mamire da.
- His clothes are smeared with paint.
Context Variations
- Formal Written: 彼の顔は涙まみれだった。
Kare no kao wa namida mamire datta.
His face was stained with tears. - Casual Spoken: ああ、服が油まみれだ！
Aa, fuku ga abura mamire da!
Oh no, my clothes are covered in oil!
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Japan, cleanliness is highly valued, both physically and socially. Being 〜まみれ often has a strong negative implication, suggesting a lack of cleanliness or being in a distasteful situation.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
The use of 〜まみれ itself is neutral in politeness. However, the overall politeness depends on the verb forms and context used in the sentence.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 借金まみれ
- Shakkin mamire
- Being buried in debt.
- 嘘まみれ
- Uso mamire
- Full of lies.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Mistake: Using 〜まみれ with desirable substances.
- Incorrect: 花まみれのドレス (A dress covered in flowers)
- Correct: 花柄のドレス (Flower-patterned dress) Tip: 〜まみれ is typically used with negative or undesired substances.
- Mistake: Confusing 〜まみれ with 〜だらけ
- Incorrect: 誤字まみれ (Should be 誤字だらけ)
- Correct: 誤字だらけ (Full of typos) Tip: Use 〜だらけ for abstract concepts like mistakes or errors.
Learning Strategies
- Association: Remember that まみれ often involves physical substances that can smear or stain.
- Visualization: Picture someone accidentally falling into mud to embody the concept of 泥まみれ.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- 〜まみれ means "covered in" or "stained with" an undesirable substance.
- Used with nouns representing negative physical substances.
- Structure: Noun (undesired substance) + まみれ
- Different from 〜だらけ, which is for abundance of undesirable things, not necessarily covering the surface.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank: 彼の白いシャツはインク_____になった。
- Answer: まみれ
- True or False: You can use 〜まみれ with positive substances like flowers or perfume.
- Answer: False
- Choose the correct usage: "The document was full of mistakes."
- a) 誤字まみれの書類
- b) 誤字だらけの書類
- Answer: b) 誤字だらけの書類
By mastering the use of 〜まみれ, you can vividly describe situations where someone or something is unpleasantly covered in a substance, adding depth to your Japanese expression.