Japanese

のむ
Meaning: to accept (conditions); to swallow; to overwhelm
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 呑む 呑まない
Polite 呑みます 呑みません
Past 呑んだ 呑まなかった
Polite + Past 呑みました 呑みませんでした
Te-form 呑んで 呑まなくて
Potential 呑める 呑めない
Passive 呑まれる 呑まれない
Causative 呑ませる 呑ませない
Causative + Passive 呑まされる 呑まされない
Imperative 呑め 呑むな

Handwriting

呑
む

Example sentences

I decided to accept the harsh conditions presented by the opponent.
山頂から眺める日の出は、息を呑むほど美しい光景だった。
The sunrise viewed from the summit was a breathtaking sight.
彼は清濁併せ呑む度量の大きな人物だ。
He is a broad-minded person who can accept both the good and the bad.
湖面は上下天光、息を呑む美しさだった。
The lake surface was a brilliant unity of sky and water, a breathtaking beauty.

Usage Notes

While often used for drinking or swallowing, in this context it means to accept a demand or condition despite it being unfavorable.

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