はまる

Alternative writings: 嵌まる, 填まる, 塡まる, 嵌る, ハマる
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

to fit; to be the right size or shape to go into or be inserted in something.

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

このフタは瓶にはまらない。

This lid doesn't fit the jar.

新しいスマホケースがうまくはまった。

The new phone case fit well.

鍵が鍵穴にはまって回らない。

The key is stuck in the keyhole and won't turn.

2

to be suited to something (a job, role, or set of conditions); to match or meet requirements.

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

彼の経験はその仕事にはまっている。

His experience is well suited to that job.

この規則にはまるケースは少ない。

There are few cases that fit these rules.

3

to get stuck, to become trapped or lodged (e.g., in a hole or gap); to fall into a state from which one can't get out.

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

魚の骨が喉にはまってしまった。

A fish bone got stuck in my throat.

車がぬかるみにはまって抜け出せなかった。

The car got stuck in the mud and couldn't get out.

指輪が指にはまって抜けない。

The ring is stuck on my finger and won't come off.

4

to be deceived or taken in; to fall into a trap or a scam.

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

彼は投資詐欺にはまって全財産を失った。

He fell for an investment scam and lost all his money.

巧妙な宣伝に多くの人がはまった。

Many people fell for the clever advertising.

5

to get addicted to or become obsessed with something; to be really into something.

U-VerbIntransitive VerbUsually Kana

Examples

最近彼はオンラインゲームにはまっている。

Lately he's hooked on online games.

娘は韓国ドラマにはまって毎晩見ている。

My daughter is obsessed with Korean dramas and watches them every night.

カメラに目覚めて写真撮影にはまった。

I discovered photography and became obsessed with taking pictures.

Word Relationships

Synonyms
Antonym
Masu-Formはまます
Nai-Formはまらない
Ta-Formはまた
Te-Formはまて
Ba-Formはまれば
Volitional Formはまろう
Imperative Formはまれ
Potential Formはまられる
Passive Formはまられる
Causative Formはまらせる
Causative Passive Formはまらせられる