抱きしめる
dakishimeru
In Japanese, the phrase for cuddle is 抱きしめる (dakishimeru).
The verb 抱きしめる means to embrace or to hold someone. While it can be used for the act of cuddling, it carries a more forceful and intentional connotation of a firm hug compared to the soft, cozy feeling often implied by the English word 'cuddle'.
Meaning: intransitive: embrace, lie together snugly (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the stem of the verb daku (to embrace) and the verb shimeru (to tighten or fasten), literally meaning 'to hold/embrace tightly'.
Which one should you use?
While 抱きしめる focuses on one person embracing another, the form 抱き合う is used specifically when two people are embracing each other in a reciprocal action.
How does it change in a sentence?
The -te form, 抱きしめて, is commonly used when making a request, such as asking someone to 'hug me' or 'please embrace me'.
How do you pronounce it?
dakishimeru
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific word 添い寝 (soine) for the act of lying next to someone in bed, which captures the cozy 'cuddling' aspect without the forceful grip of 抱きしめる.
- In Japan, public displays of affection like 抱きしめる are historically rare, meaning a hug in public can be perceived as a very intense or dramatic gesture rather than a casual greeting.
- The related verb 抱く, or daku, can also be used as a euphemism for 'to sleep with' someone in certain contexts.
Examples in context
- 赤ちゃんを抱きしめる。Akachan o dakishimeru.I cuddle the baby.
- 泣いている子供を抱きしめる。Naite iru kodomo o dakishimeru.I embrace the crying child.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing on the sofa at home.
- 陽葵 Himari少し寒いね。Sukoshi samui ne.It's a little cold, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、もっと近くに来て。抱きしめるよ。Jaa, motto chikaku ni kite. Dakishimeru yo.Then, come closer. I'll cuddle you.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、嬉しい。Arigatou, ureshii.Thank you, I'm happy.
- 陽太 Yotaずっとこうしていよう。Zutto kou shite iyou.Let's stay like this for a while.
