染みる

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 染みる is read as しみる and is an ichidan intransitive verb for liquid soaking through or smoke and other irritants stinging a body part.
• Basic usage: Use 雨水が靴の中まで染みてくる for penetration and 煙が目に染みる for irritation.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Soaking and stinging
  • Rainwater physically penetrates into the shoes, while smoke irritates the eyes and brings tears.
• Subject and affected location
  • The penetrating rainwater takes が, and the affected body part is marked by に in 目に染みる.