Meaning and Usage
"葬る" (ほうむる) primarily means "to bury" or "to entomb" someone or something physically, such as a body in a grave. It is a formal and somewhat literary verb often used in written or respectful contexts.
Figurative Uses
Besides the literal meaning, "葬る" is frequently used metaphorically to express the act of hiding or suppressing something deeply, such as memories, secrets, or truths. For example, "過去を葬る" means to bury one's past, implying to forget or suppress it.
Common Collocations
- 葬る (someone) を墓に: to bury someone in a grave, used in funeral contexts.
- 心に葬る: to bury in one's heart, meaning to keep something secret or suppressed emotionally.
- 真相を葬る: to bury the truth, often implying concealment or cover-up.
Register and Nuance
This verb is formal and literary, not commonly used in casual conversation. It often appears in news reports, literature, or formal speeches. Learners should avoid using it casually and instead use simpler verbs like "埋める" (うめる) for everyday "to bury".
Common Mistake
Confusing "葬る" with "埋める" can lead to unnatural expressions. "葬る" is specifically for burial with a nuance of respect or solemnity, while "埋める" is more general for burying objects or filling holes.