Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Noun まみれ (~mamire)

Noun まみれ (~mamire)

Short explanation:

Used to express a state in which something is entirely covered, smeared, or filled with something else.

Formation:

Noun + まみれ

Examples:

彼は泥まみれになって帰ってきた。
Kare wa doro mamire ni natte kaette kita.
He returned home covered in mud.
彼女は涙まみれになりながら告白した。
Kanojo wa namida mamire ni narinagara kokuhaku shita.
She confessed while crying her eyes out.
その事件後、彼はスキャンダルまみれになった。
Sono jiken go, kare wa sukandaru mamire ni natta.
After that incident, he was completely embroiled in scandal.
この部屋は埃まみれだ。
Kono heya wa hokori mamire da.
This room is covered in dust.

Long explanation:

The まみれ grammar point is used to express a state where someone or something is completely covered, smeared, or filled with another thing. The noun before まみれ indicates what the person or thing is covered in. This grammar point often has a negative connotation.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Noun まみれ (~mamire)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun まみれ (~mamire)

Noun まみれ (~mamire)

1. Introduction

The expression "まみれ" (mamire) is a Japanese grammar point that conveys the idea of being covered or filled with something, often something messy or undesirable.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation:

"まみれ" is attached to a noun to indicate that something is covered, soaked, or stained with it. This grammar point embodies the essence of "being filled with" or "being filled to excess." Structure:

  • Noun + まみれ

Meaning, Structure, Formation

  • Meaning: Covered with [noun], often implying a messiness or excessive amount.
  • Example Structure:
    • "泥まみれ" (doro mamire) = "covered in mud"
    • "血まみれ" (chi mamire) = "covered in blood"

Visual Aids

Noun + まみれ Meaning
泥 (doro) + まみれ muddy, covered in mud
血 (chi) + まみれ bloody, covered in blood
ゴミ (gomi) + まみれ littered, covered in trash
水 (mizu) + まみれ soaked, covered in water

3. Comparative Analysis

  • Similar Grammar Points:
    • Noun + だらけ (darake): Also means to be covered or filled, but it often emphasizes a negative connotation (excess mess).
      • Example: "ほこりだらけ" (hokori darake) = "covered in dust" (more negative in connotation compared to "ほこりまみれ").
  • "まみれ" suggests a more visual and explicit state of being coated or sullied, while "だらけ" can suggest a general overwhelming presence of something undesirable.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples:

  1. Formal:
    • 彼は泥まみれになって帰ってきた。
    • (Kare wa doro mamire ni natte kaette kita.)
    • "He came back covered in mud."
  2. Informal:
    • 子どもが血まみれで泣いてるよ!
    • (Kodomo ga chi mamire de naiteru yo!)
    • "The child is crying, covered in blood!"
  3. Written:
    • 地面はゴミまみれだった。
    • (Jimen wa gomi mamire datta.)
    • "The ground was covered in trash."
  4. Spoken:
    • 彼女の服は水まみれになった。
    • (Kanojo no fuku wa mizu mamire ni natta.)
    • "Her clothes got soaked."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance:

In Japanese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and expressions involving "まみれ" often imply a need for cleanliness or can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed. The use of "まみれ" conveys vivid imagery of a situation that often needs attention, especially concerning children or pets, where messiness can be accepted but still noted.

Idiomatic Expressions:

  • "泥まみれで遊ぶ" (doro mamire de asobu) = "to play around getting muddy," often associated with children playing outside.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis:

  • Students may confuse "まみれ" with "だらけ." They should remember that "まみれ" describes being visibly covered or stained, while "だらけ" indicates a general mess or state of excess.
  • Using it with non-tangible nouns (like feelings) might confuse learners, as it is mainly used for physical states.

Learning Strategies:

  • Remember the structure: Noun + まみれ. Practice associating a messy or undesirable aspect with the noun you use.
  • Visualize the noun and the aspect it represents (e.g., mud covering shoes).

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways:

  • "まみれ" is a noun-based expression that indicates being covered with or stained by something.
  • It is typically used in contexts of messiness or excess.
  • Care should be taken to differentiate it from "だらけ."

Quick Recap Quiz:

  1. What does "泥まみれ" mean?
  2. Can "まみれ" be used with intangible nouns?
  3. What is the key difference between "まみれ" and "だらけ"?
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