Meaning and Usage
The verb 追い込む (おいこむ) means "to drive into," "to corner," or "to herd." It often implies forcing someone or something into a confined space or difficult situation. This can be literal, such as herding animals or cornering a person, or figurative, such as being pressured by circumstances.
Common Contexts
- Physical cornering: Police or people driving someone into a corner or enclosed space.
- Psychological pressure: Being pushed by stress, deadlines, or difficult situations.
- Business or life situations: Being forced into a last resort or difficult decision.
Collocations and Patterns
- 〜に追い込む: to drive into (a place or situation)
- プレッシャーに追い込まれる: to be driven by pressure
- 追い込まれた状況: a cornered or desperate situation
Register and Nuance
This verb is neutral but often used in serious or intense contexts. It can describe both physical and metaphorical pressure. It is common in news reports, novels, and conversations about stress or conflict.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 追い込む with simple movement verbs like 入る or 行く. Remember, 追い込む emphasizes forcing or driving into a confined or pressured state, not just entering or going.