包む
tsutsumu[t͡sɨt͡sɨmɯ̟]
The Japanese verb for 'to wrap' is 包む (tsutsumu). Wiktionary also lists 包装する (hōsō suru).
Meaning: to enclose completely in fabric, paper, etc (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 包む | tsutsumu | [t͡sɨt͡sɨmɯ̟] (narrow) [kɯ̟ɾɯ̟mɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 包装する | hōsō suru |
包む is a common and versatile word used for wrapping gifts, food or a scarf around the neck.
Which one should you use?
包む is the general, everyday verb for wrapping something. In contrast, 包装する is used for commercial packaging or the formal act of wrapping a product.
How does it change in a sentence?
包む is the dictionary form (non-past/plain form) of the verb and can be used in casual speech or as a modifier for a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
tsutsumu
Did you know?
- When buying a gift, the way something is wrapped can actually communicate more about your respect for the recipient than the gift itself. Using the wrong type of wrapping paper or cloth can sometimes be seen as a lack of etiquette.
- The verb 包む can be used to describe the 'wrapping' of a sound or a voice, implying a soft or enveloping quality to the audio.
- While 包む is the verb for wrapping, you may encounter the word 風呂敷 (furoshiki) when discussing the medium. This single piece of cloth can be used to wrap many different shapes by using specific folding techniques.
Examples in context
- 包む必要はありません。You don't have to wrap it up.This sentence is useful for expressing that wrapping is unnecessary when using 包む.Tatoeba #591679 by bunbuku, translation #320952 by CK
- 書類を風呂敷で包むTo wrap the documents with wrapping clothThis sentence demonstrates using 包む to describe wrapping documents with a wrapping cloth.
- ギフトをラッピングしてください。Please wrap the gift.
- ブランケットで自分をくるんで温まる。Wrap yourself in a blanket to warm up.
- ラップでサンドイッチを包んでくれる？Can you wrap the sandwich in cling film?
- プレゼントを綺麗な紙で包む。purezento o kirei na kami de tsutsumu.Wrap the present in beautiful paper.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daiki and Himari are preparing a gift together.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの箱で包む？kono hako de tsutsumu?Should I wrap it with this box?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、お願い。un, onegai.Yes, please.
- 大翔 Hirotoリボンで包むね。ribon de tsutsumu ne.I'll wrap it with a ribbon.
- 陽葵 Himariいい感じだね！ii kanji da ne!That looks great!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wrap” translations and entries 包む, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
