godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
drink; swallow; take (medicine)
General word for drinking liquids, swallowing food or medicine, and taking pills. 呑む can emphasize gulping or swallowing whole.
水を飲みたい。
I want to drink water.
この薬を食後に飲んでください。
Please take this medicine after meals.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
Used specifically for smoking tobacco; タバコを飲む is a set phrase.
彼は一日に一箱タバコを飲む。
He smokes a pack of cigarettes a day.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
Usually in passive form (飲まれる). Describes being overwhelmed by waves, crowds, darkness, or a powerful force.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
suppress; hold back; swallow (tears, anger, etc.)
Figurative use for suppressing emotions or physical reactions. Common with 涙, 怒り, 息, 言葉, etc.
彼女は涙を飲んで別れを告げた。
She swallowed her tears and said goodbye.
怒りを飲んで冷静に話した。
He held back his anger and spoke calmly.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
accept (demand, conditions); agree to
Used when reluctantly accepting demands, conditions, or unfavorable terms. Often 条件を飲む or 要求を飲む.
会社は組合の要求を飲んだ。
The company accepted the union's demands.
彼は厳しい条件を飲まされた。
He was forced to accept harsh conditions.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
make light of; overwhelm; overawe
Describes a presence or attitude that overwhelms or intimidates others. Often 人を飲む or 相手を飲む.
彼の迫力に飲まれて何も言えなかった。
I was overwhelmed by his forcefulness and couldn't say anything.
相手を飲むような態度で交渉に臨んだ。
He approached the negotiation with an attitude that overawed the other party.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
carry concealed (dagger, etc.); hide up one's sleeve
Archaic or literary use for concealing a weapon or object on one's person. Rare in modern conversation.
侍はふところに短刀を飲んでいた。
The samurai carried a dagger concealed in his breast.