染みる

しみる

to soak; pierce

Also:to sting (wound or sensitive area, etc.), to be infected (with vice), to feel keenly

What does 染みる mean?

染みる is a Japanese verb meaning to soak; pierce in English. It can also be translated as to sting (wound or sensitive area, etc.), to be infected (with vice), to feel keenly depending on context. It is written as 染みる in kanji, しみる in hiragana, and shimiru in romaji. This word is part of JLPT N1 vocabulary.

Example sentences

彼の忠告が骨身に染みた。

His advice cut me to the quick.

石けんが目にしみました。

The soap hurt my eyes.