strangle · squeeze

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 絞 has 12 strokes and expresses squeezing or tightening.
• Basic usage: 絞る is read しぼる, and 絞める is read しめる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Wringing and narrowing down
  • 布を両手で強く絞った means wrung the cloth firmly with both hands.
  • 候補を三つに絞って means narrowing the candidates down to three.
• Different readings and actions
  • 首を絞める means to choke or strangle someone.