The Meaning of tsukkomu [突っ込む] In Japanese

突っ込む
つっこむ
Romaji: tsukkomu N3

What does 突っ込む mean?

Translation and Meaning

to thrust in, to butt in, to dive into, to probe

Definition

What does 突っ込む mean? A verb describing both literal insertion and figurative interruption or deep exploration of a topic; in everyday usage it often conveys pressing into a matter or interjecting during speech.

Type

verb (godan)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Physical insertion or thrust into a space or object
  • Interrupting or interjecting in a conversation
  • Delving into a topic or issue, probing for details
  • Confronting or challenging a statement with a pointed question

Etymology

突 indicates a thrust or sudden push, 込 conveys entering or going into; together they form 突っ込む, with the っ (small tsu) causing gemination to produce the audible break in tsukkomu.

Composition

  • 突: to thrust, push forward
  • 込: to enter, go into; in compounds indicates inward movement

Usage

Used across casual and neutral contexts to describe literal insertion or intrusion, as well as figurative diving into a discussion or issue; commonly appears in spoken Japanese, media reporting, and explanatory writing, and is transitive, taking either a direct object or a topic/issue as its target.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: picture a spear (突) thrusting into a crowd (込); the small っ doubles the following consonant, producing tsu-kkоmu, helping you recall the pronunciation.

Variations

  • 口を挟む (くちをはさむ, kuchi o hasamu) — to butt in
  • 踏み込む (ふみこむ, fumikomu) — to step into, to push into
  • 介入する (かいにゅうする, kainyū suru) — to intervene
突っ込む