Translation and Meaning of: 溶ける - tokeru

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 溶ける (tokeru) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: tokeru

Kana: とける

Type: verb

L: jlpt-n2

溶ける

Translation / Meaning: to melt; unfreeze; merge; dissolve

Meaning in English: to melt;to thaw;to fuse;to dissolve

Definition: solid becomes liquid.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (溶ける) tokeru

Etymology of the word 「溶ける」

The Japanese word 「溶ける」 (tokeru) is a verb that means "to melt" or "to dissolve." The etymology of this term can be broken down into components that help understand its origin and use. The kanji 「溶」 has the meaning of "to melt," "to dissolve," "to fuse," and is composed of the water radical 「氵」, which indicates a relation to liquid, reinforcing the idea of physical state transformation that the word suggests.

Definition and Use of 「溶ける」

The expression 「溶ける」 is used to describe the process by which a solid substance turns into a liquid when exposed to heat or another agent, such as ice melting into water or chocolate melting. This verb is intransitive, meaning it does not require a direct object in the sentence, primarily focusing on the action of the subject.

Varieties and Context of Use

In the Japanese linguistic context, the intransitive form 「溶ける」 contrasts with the transitive form 「溶かす」 (tokasu), which means "to make something melt" or "to dissolve something". Thus, when using 「溶ける」, the emphasis is placed on the act of dissolution itself, while 「溶かす」 emphasizes the agent that causes the action.

Intransitive form: 「氷が溶ける」 (kōri ga tokeru) - The ice melts.
Transitive form: 「私はバターを溶かす」 (watashi wa batā o tokasu) - I melt the butter.

Origem e Influências Culturais

The origin of the use of 「溶ける」 is quite practical and related to the natural environment and the everyday needs of dealing with substances in different physical states. Historically, the concept of melting was crucial in traditional activities such as ceramics and metallurgy, where the transformation of materials through heat was essential. This word thus carries a direct connection with the way Japanese people understand and interact with the tangible aspects of their physical environment.

Verbal conjugation of 溶ける

See below a small list of verb conjugations: 溶ける (tokeru)

溶ける - Infinitive base form
溶けます - Polite polite form
溶けた - Past form
溶けている - Present continuous form
溶けない - Negative form

Synonyms and similar words

溶ける (Tokeru) - Derret; dissolve
解ける (Tokeru) - Undo; let go
融ける (Tokeru) - Melt; to melt (used in contexts of material fusion)
消える (Kieru) - Disappear; vanish
滅びる (Horobiru) - Destroy oneself; extinguish oneself (usually in a broader context)
消散する (Shōsan suru) - To disperse; to gradually disappear
消失する (Shōshitsu suru) - Disappear; vanish from sight (focus on absence)
消滅する (Shōmetsu suru) - Extinguish; annihilate oneself, disappear completely
絶える (Taeru) - Cessation; to finish (in the sense of total interruption)
無くなる (Nakunaru) - Disappear; no longer exist (focused on loss)
消え去る (Kiesaru) - Completely disappear; to fade away
消え失せる (Kieuseru) - Completely disappear; vanish (emphasizing the totality of the loss)
消え尽くす (Kieitsukusu) - Disappear completely (extremely emphatic)
消えかかる (Kiekakaru) - Almost disappearing; in the process of disappearing
消えそうになる (Kiesou ni naru) - About to disappear; almost vanish
消え入る (Kieiru) - Completely disappear; fade away (very emphatic)