Meaning and Usage
The verb 組む (くむ) has several common uses in Japanese. It can mean "to put together" or "assemble" physical objects, such as puzzle pieces or parts. It also frequently means "to team up" or "to collaborate" with others on a project or task. Another common use is to describe crossing limbs, especially legs or arms.
Common Collocations
- チームを組む: to form a team or partner with someone, often used in work or sports contexts.
- 足を組む: to cross one's legs, a common posture.
- 手を組む: to join hands or cooperate closely.
- パズルを組む: to assemble a puzzle.
Register and Nuance
組む is a neutral verb used in both casual and formal contexts. When talking about collaboration, it implies active cooperation and partnership. When used for physical actions like crossing legs, it simply describes the posture.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 組む with 結ぶ (むすぶ), which means "to tie" or "to bind." 組む focuses more on assembling parts or forming partnerships, while 結ぶ is about tying or connecting with a knot. Remember 組む for assembling or teaming up, 結ぶ for tying or binding.