にじむ

Alternative writings: 滲む
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

To run or spread (of a liquid); to bleed or blot (into a surface).

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

コーヒーをこぼしてテーブルにシミがにじんだ。

I spilled coffee and a stain spread on the table.

インクが紙に滲んで文字がにじんでしまった。

The ink bled into the paper and the writing smeared.

傷口から血がにじんでいるのを拭いた。

I wiped the blood that was oozing from the wound.

2

To blur; to become smeared or indistinct (lines, shapes, or vision).

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

雨で目の前の景色がにじんで見えた。

The scenery ahead looked blurred because of the rain.

涙で文字がにじんで読めない。

My tears blurred the letters so I couldn't read them.

古い写真の色がにじんでいる。

The colors in the old photo have bled/blurred.

3

To ooze; to well up (as with tears); to seep out slowly.

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

感動して目に涙がにじんだ。

I was moved and tears began to well up in my eyes.

切り傷から血が少しにじんでいたので消毒した。

Blood was oozing slightly from the cut, so I disinfected it.

床板の隙間から水がにじんでいるのを見つけた。

I found water seeping through the gap in the floorboard.

4

To show through; to reveal itself (of feelings, emotions, or thoughts).

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

本音が声ににじんでしまって言い淀んだ。

My true feelings showed in my voice and I hesitated to speak.

彼女の不安が表情ににじんでいた。

Her anxiety was showing on her face.

緊張が話し方ににじみ出ていたので、落ち着かせた。

Her nervousness showed in the way she spoke, so I tried to calm her down.

Masu-Formにじみます
Nai-Formにじまない
Ta-Formにじんだ
Te-Formにじんで
Ba-Formにじめば
Volitional Formにじもう
Imperative Formにじめ
Potential Formにじめる
Passive Formにじまれる
Causative Formにじませる
Causative Passive Formにじませられる