涙を呑む（なみだをのむ）
JLPT N1 · Godan verb (Group 1)
Meaning: to swallow one's tears
Conjugation
| Form | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| masu-form (polite) | 涙を呑みます | なみだをのみます |
| te-form | 涙を呑んで | なみだをのんで |
| ta-form (past) | 涙を呑んだ | なみだをのんだ |
| nai-form (negative) | 涙を呑まない | なみだをのまない |
| potential form | 涙を呑める | なみだをのめる |
Example sentences
- あと一歩で敗れ、涙を呑む。 — Defeated by a hair's breadth, he swallows his tears.
- 悔しさに涙を呑む。 — She holds back tears of frustration.
Related words
See it used in real works
- Example sentences from Japanese novels & web fiction (Massif)
- Hear “涙を呑む” pronounced in real videos (YouGlish)