Translation guide
How to express the idea of a liquid being absorbed by a material, or an idea/feeling gradually being understood or felt.
A liquid penetrates and is absorbed by a solid or porous substance.
The most common and natural way to say a liquid soaks into something. Emphasizes the liquid going deep inside.
An abstract thing like a lesson, feeling, or atmosphere gradually becomes part of someone or something.
Both can be used for liquids and abstract things. 染み込む emphasizes the process of going deep inside, while しみる often focuses on the resulting state or sensation. しみる is also used for stinging or emotional impact.
インクが紙に染み込む。
Ink soaks into the paper. (process)
インクが紙にしみた。
The ink has soaked into the paper. (resulting stain)
浸る means 'to be soaked (in liquid)' or 'to be immersed', not the action of liquid soaking into something. For example, お風呂に浸る means 'to soak in a bath', not 'water soaks into the body'.
The water soaked into the sponge.
雨が地面に染み込んでいく。
The rain is soaking into the ground.
Often used for liquids penetrating fabric or skin, or for stinging sensations. Can imply soaking in, but also the effect of the liquid.
Can also mean 'to sting' or 'to smart', so context is important.
醤油がテーブルクロスにしみた。
The soy sauce soaked into the tablecloth.
薬が傷にしみる。
The medicine stings the wound. (literally: soaks into the wound)
Passive form of 'absorb'. More technical or formal. Used when focusing on the material absorbing the liquid.
水分が土壌に吸収された。
The moisture was absorbed into the soil.
Also used metaphorically for abstract things soaking in. Very natural for lessons, words, or feelings sinking in.
先生の言葉が心に染み込んだ。
The teacher's words soaked into my heart.
その教訓が身に染み込んだ。
That lesson really soaked in.
Often used for emotional impact, like something touching you deeply or a cold penetrating your body.
彼の優しさが身にしみた。
His kindness really soaked in (touched me deeply).
寒さが骨身にしみる。
The cold soaks into my bones.
Means to master or internalize a skill or knowledge. Similar to 'soak in' when talking about learning.
英語がなかなか身につかない。
English just doesn't soak in (I can't seem to acquire it).
Means 'to permeate' or 'to spread through'. Used for ideas, trends, or policies gradually spreading and being accepted.
新しい考え方が社会に浸透した。
The new way of thinking soaked into society.