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胸に刻む (むねにきざむ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

胸むねに刻きざむ

Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-mu)

keep in mind; take to heart

Used when someone deeply internalizes a lesson, advice, or an emotional experience, as if carving it into one's heart.

先せん生せいの言こと葉ばを胸むねに刻きざんで、これからも頑がん張ばります。
I will keep my teacher's words in my heart and continue to do my best.

あの日ひの光こう景けいは今いまでも胸むねに刻きざまれている。

The scene from that day is still etched in my mind.

Kanji

胸bosom, breast, chest
刻engrave, cut fine, chop

Similar words

心こころに刻きざむ
Very similar in meaning; 胸に刻む often carries a slightly more emotional or dramatic nuance, while 心に刻む can be used in both emotional and practical contexts.
肝きもに銘めいじる
More formal and often used for taking a warning or lesson seriously, with a nuance of resolve. 胸に刻む is softer and more emotional.

Etymology

A figurative expression combining 胸 (chest/heart) and 刻む (to carve/engrave), meaning to carve something into one's heart. The exact origin is uncertain, but it follows a common metaphor in Japanese for deep emotional or mental retention.