~まみれ
接辞(せつじ、affix)
全体によくないものが付いている。~がいっぱいだ。 covered with something (not nice). Lots of~。Lots of~。
汗まみれ (あせまみれ) covered in sweat
血まみれ (ちまみれ) covered in blood
泥まみれ (どろまみれ) covered in dirt
ほこりまみれ covered in dust
うそまみれ covered in lies
借金まみれ (しゃっきんまみれ) full of debt
There’s actually another expression - だらけ - that is very similar in meaning and usage. So I did a little research to find out what’s the difference between them.
So, まみれ is only used when talking about something liquid or powder-like, sticky, hard to get off and generally unpleasant to deal with.
灰まみれ covered in ash 油まみれ covered in oil
Expressions like 借金まみれ or 嘘まみれ are exceptions..
Meanwhile だらけ seems to be much more common. Pretty much interchangeable with まみれ when talking about substances, it could also be used with all kinds of nouns to mean something is covered with/full of [noun] - with or without negative connotations: ゴミだらけ full of trash 人だらけ full of people この答案は間違いだらけです。 This answer sheet is full of mistakes. 部屋が犬の毛だらけだ。 The room is covered in dog hair.
As a side note, 一杯「いっぱい」 sometimes could be used in a similar manner when talking about something good: 幸せいっぱい brimming with happiness 元気いっぱい full of energy
So, in conclusion, usage of まみれ is limited to liquid and powder-like substances, while だらけ could be used with pretty much everything.
And some sources I used for reference: (1), (2), (3).













