凝固
凝固 in 30 Sekunden
- 凝固 (gyōko) is the formal Japanese term for 'solidification' or 'coagulation,' describing the transition from a liquid state to a solid state.
- It is primarily used in scientific, medical, and industrial contexts, such as describing blood clotting, lava cooling, or chemical reactions in food.
- Commonly functions as a noun or a suru-verb (凝固する). It is much more formal than the everyday verb 'katamaru' (to harden).
- Key related terms include 凝固点 (freezing point), 血液凝固 (blood coagulation), and 凝固剤 (coagulant or hardening agent).
The term 凝固 (gyōko) is a formal, scientific noun that describes the physical transformation of a substance from a liquid state to a solid state. While in everyday conversation one might simply say 固まる (katamaru - to harden) or 凍る (kooru - to freeze), gyōko is the precise terminology used in physics, chemistry, and medicine. It encompasses the removal of heat (freezing) as well as chemical triggers that cause particles to bind together into a solid mass.
- Scientific Definition
- The phase transition where a liquid becomes a solid when its temperature is lowered below its freezing point.
- Medical Context
- The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot (hemostasis).
- Industrial Use
- The solidification of molten metals or plastics during manufacturing processes like casting.
溶岩が冷えて凝固し、新しい岩石が形成された。
(The lava cooled and solidified, forming new rock.)
Understanding 凝固 requires looking at the kanji. 凝 (gyō) means to congeal, freeze, or stiffen (also used in words like 凝る - koru, to be stiff or devoted to). 固 (ko) means hard, solid, or firm. Together, they literally mean 'to congeal into a solid.' This word is essential for anyone studying Japanese for academic purposes or working in technical fields.
血液の凝固を妨げる薬を服用しています。
(I am taking medicine that prevents blood coagulation.)
Beyond simple freezing, 凝固 is used when discussing the stability of colloids. For example, when adding a coagulant to water to remove impurities, the process of those impurities clumping together and settling is referred to as coagulation. This makes it a key term in environmental science and water treatment discussions.
豆乳ににがりを加えると、タンパク質が凝固して豆腐になります。
(When nigari is added to soy milk, the protein coagulates and becomes tofu.)
- Etymology
- Derived from Middle Chinese, where '凝' implies the concentration of energy or matter and '固' implies stability.
急激な温度低下により、液体は瞬時に凝固した。
(Due to the rapid temperature drop, the liquid solidified instantly.)
In summary, 凝固 is a versatile but formal term. Whether you are discussing the cooling of the Earth's crust, the making of cheese, or a medical emergency involving a thrombus, this word provides the necessary precision that the general verb 固まる lacks. It implies a change in physical state governed by laws of nature or chemistry.
Using 凝固 (gyōko) correctly depends on the level of formality and the specific field of study. It is primarily a noun, but it frequently functions as a Suru-verb (凝固する). In most casual settings, Japanese speakers prefer 固まる (katamaru). However, if you are writing a report, giving a presentation, or reading a technical manual, 凝固 is the standard choice.
- Grammar Pattern 1: Noun + の + 凝固
- Used to describe the process of a specific substance. Example: 血液の凝固 (blood coagulation).
- Grammar Pattern 2: [Substance] が 凝固する
- Used as an intransitive verb. Example: 溶岩が凝固する (lava solidifies).
この液体は、零度以下で凝固し始めます。
(This liquid begins to solidify below zero degrees.)
In medical contexts, you will often see it paired with 'factors' or 'disorders.' For instance, 凝固因子 (gyōko inshi) refers to clotting factors in the blood. If someone has a 'coagulation disorder,' it is called 凝固異常 (gyōko ijō). These are fixed terms that you must memorize as units.
化学反応によって、溶液の中に凝固物が発生した。
(A precipitate/solidified matter was generated in the solution due to a chemical reaction.)
When discussing food science, 凝固 is used for the setting of proteins. If you are making flan, custard, or tofu, the transformation of the liquid mixture into a stable solid is described as gyōko. This is more formal than saying 'pudding hardened' (purin ga katamatta).
- Common Collocations
- 凝固点降下 (freezing-point depression), 凝固促進剤 (coagulant/accelerant), 血液凝固阻止剤 (anticoagulant).
実験では、不純物が凝固点に与える影響を調べた。
(In the experiment, we investigated the effect of impurities on the freezing point.)
Finally, in metaphorical or abstract uses, 凝固 is rare. Unlike 'solidify' in English, which can mean 'to make a plan solid' (keikaku o katameru), Japanese usually sticks to the physical/chemical meaning for 凝固. Using it for abstract plans would sound overly robotic or strange.
The word 凝固 (gyōko) is most frequently encountered in environments where precision and scientific accuracy are paramount. You are unlikely to hear it at a casual dinner party, but you will certainly hear it in the following locations:
- 1. Schools and Universities
- During science classes (Rika) or chemistry lectures, teachers use this to explain phase changes of matter.
- 2. Hospitals and Clinics
- Doctors and nurses use it when discussing blood tests (coagulation profiles) or wound healing.
- 3. News Reports
- Specifically in segments regarding natural disasters like volcanic eruptions (lava solidification) or extreme weather affecting industrial liquids.
ニュース:噴火した溶岩は、海に流れ込み急速に凝固しています。
(News: The erupted lava is flowing into the sea and rapidly solidifying.)
In the manufacturing sector, specifically in metallurgy or plastics, 凝固 is a daily term. Engineers discuss the 'coagulation rate' to ensure that products are formed without internal cracks or defects. If you work in a factory that uses molds (casting), this word is indispensable.
医師:血液の凝固能力に問題がないか、詳しく検査しましょう。
(Doctor: Let's test in detail whether there are any problems with your blood's ability to clot.)
You might also encounter it in high-end culinary documentaries. Chefs who use molecular gastronomy techniques—using chemicals like sodium alginate to create 'spheres'—will use 凝固 to describe the reaction that creates the skin of the sphere.
- Common Media Contexts
- Scientific journals, medical dramas (like 'Code Blue'), and educational YouTube channels about chemistry.
ナレーション:宇宙の寒冷な環境下で、ガスが凝固し、微粒子となります。
(Narration: In the cold environment of space, gas solidifies and becomes fine particles.)
Because 凝固 (gyōko) is a technical term, the most common mistake is using it in a context that is too casual or using it interchangeably with words that have slightly different physical meanings.
- Mistake 1: Using it for abstract 'solidifying'
- In English, we say "Our plans are solidifying." In Japanese, you should use 固まる (katamaru). Using 凝固 here would imply your plans are literally turning into a physical block of ice or rock.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 凝縮 (gyōshuku)
- 凝固 is Liquid → Solid. 凝縮 is Gas → Liquid (Condensation). This is a common error in science exams.
❌ 計画が凝固した。
✅ 計画が固まった。
(The plan solidified/took shape.)
Another mistake involves the distinction between 凝固 and 凍結 (tōketsu). While all tōketsu (freezing) is a form of gyōko, not all gyōko is tōketsu. For example, blood clotting happens at body temperature, so it is 凝固, but calling it tōketsu would imply you are freezing the patient's blood with ice.
❌ ゼリーが冷蔵庫で凝固した。
✅ ゼリーが冷蔵庫で固まった。
(The jelly hardened in the fridge. 'Gyōko' is too stiff for home cooking.)
Finally, watch out for the kanji. The first kanji 凝 is complex. Beginners often confuse it with 疑 (utagau - to doubt) because they share the same right-hand radical. Remember: 凝 has the 'ice' radical (冫) on the left, which perfectly fits its meaning of freezing or congealing.
- Kanji Tip
- 凝 (Congeal) has 冫 (ice). 疑 (Doubt) does not. Think of the ice radical to remember 'solidification'.
To truly master 凝固 (gyōko), you must understand its relationship with other words that describe 'hardening' or 'changing state.' Here is a breakdown of the most similar terms:
- 1. 固化 (koka)
- A very close synonym meaning 'solidification.' It is often used in engineering and materials science. While gyōko emphasizes the process, koka emphasizes the resulting state.
- 2. 凝結 (gyōketsu)
- Often used for the setting of cement or the curdling of milk. It implies particles coming together to form a mass.
- 3. 凍結 (tōketsu)
- Specifically refers to freezing due to low temperatures. It is also used metaphorically for 'freezing' bank accounts or assets.
セメントの凝結時間は、気温によって変わる。
(The setting time of cement changes depending on the temperature.)
There is also 凝集 (gyōshū), which means 'agglomeration' or 'aggregation.' This is used when small particles in a liquid clump together but don't necessarily turn the whole liquid into a solid block. Think of dust clumping together in water.
資産が凍結された。
(Assets were frozen. You cannot use 'gyōko' here.)
Lastly, 硬化 (kōka) means 'hardening.' This is used for things like 'arteriosclerosis' (動脈硬化 - dōmyaku kōka) or the hardening of resin. It implies something that was already somewhat solid becoming even harder or more rigid.
- Summary Table
- 凝固: Scientific Liquid → Solid.
固まる: General/Abstract.
凍結: Cold/Assets.
硬化: Becoming rigid.
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Suru-verbs
Noun + の + Noun
Conditional ~to
Causative ~saseru
Adverbial use of ~ni
Beispiele nach Niveau
水がこおって、ぎょうこします。
Water freezes and solidifies.
A1 level uses hiragana for difficult kanji.
ぎょうこは、えき体がこ体になることです。
Solidification is when a liquid becomes a solid.
Definition sentence structure.
寒いと、水はぎょうこしますか?
Does water solidify when it is cold?
Question form.
ぎょうこすると、かたくなります。
When it solidifies, it becomes hard.
Conditional 'to' (when/if).
これはぎょうこのじっけんです。
This is a solidification experiment.
Noun + no + Noun.
ぎょうこ、という言葉をならいました。
I learned the word 'gyōko'.
Quotation particle 'to'.
ぎょうこは理科の言葉です。
Solidification is a science word.
Topic marker 'wa'.
ぎょうこして、氷になりました。
It solidified and became ice.
Te-form for sequence.
血液が凝固して、血が止まりました。
The blood coagulated and the bleeding stopped.
Ketsueki (blood) is a common subject for gyōko.
溶岩が海で凝固しました。
The lava solidified in the sea.
Past tense of a suru-verb.
牛乳に酢を入れると、凝固しますか?
If you put vinegar in milk, does it coagulate?
Conditional 'to'.
凝固の仕組みを勉強しました。
I studied the mechanism of solidification.
Shikumi (mechanism/how it works).
この液体はすぐに凝固します。
This liquid solidifies quickly.
Adverb 'suguni'.
凝固した油を捨てました。
I threw away the solidified oil.
Noun modification using past tense verb.
温度が下がると凝固が始まります。
Solidification begins when the temperature drops.
Hajimaru (to begin).
理科のテストに「凝固」が出ました。
The word 'solidification' appeared on the science test.
Ni... ga deru (to appear in...).
水の凝固点は摂氏0度です。
The freezing point of water is 0 degrees Celsius.
Gyōkoten is a key compound word.
豆腐を作るには、豆乳を凝固させる必要があります。
To make tofu, it is necessary to coagulate the soy milk.
Causative form 'gyōko saseru'.
血液凝固を防ぐ薬を飲んでいます。
I am taking medicine to prevent blood clotting.
Fusegu (to prevent).
化学実験で、液体の凝固速度を測った。
In the chemistry experiment, we measured the solidification rate of the liquid.
Gyōko sokudo (solidification speed).
冬の間、池の水が凝固して氷になった。
During winter, the pond water solidified and became ice.
Aida (during/while).
この樹脂は、光を当てると凝固する性質がある。
This resin has the property of solidifying when exposed to light.
Seishitsu (property/characteristic).
不純物が混ざると、凝固点が下がります。
When impurities are mixed in, the freezing point drops.
Gyōkoten kōka (freezing point depression).
ゼラチンを使って、ゼリーを凝固させた。
I used gelatin to solidify the jelly.
Tsukatte (using).
血液の凝固因子が不足すると、出血が止まりにくくなります。
If blood clotting factors are insufficient, it becomes difficult for bleeding to stop.
Gyōko inshi (clotting factor).
溶融した金属が鋳型の中で凝固し、製品の形になる。
Molten metal solidifies inside the mold and takes the shape of the product.
Yōyū (molten/fused).
急速な冷却により、物質が均一に凝固しなかった。
Due to rapid cooling, the substance did not solidify uniformly.
Jun-itsu ni (uniformly).
タンパク質の凝固は、加熱や酸の添加によって起こる。
Protein coagulation occurs through heating or the addition of acid.
Tenka (addition).
この接着剤は、空気中の水分と反応して凝固する。
This adhesive solidifies by reacting with moisture in the air.
Hannō shite (reacting).
凝固剤を使用して、廃油を固めて捨てる。
Use a coagulant to harden waste oil before throwing it away.
Gyōkozai (coagulant/hardener).
地質学において、マグマの凝固は火成岩の形成を意味する。
In geology, the solidification of magma means the formation of igneous rocks.
Chishitsugaku (geology).
低温下での燃料の凝固を防ぐための添加剤を加える。
Add additives to prevent the solidification of fuel under low temperatures.
Teion-ka (under low temperature).
播種性血管内凝固症候群(DIC)は、非常に危険な状態です。
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an extremely dangerous condition.
Technical medical term.
過冷却状態の液体に衝撃を与えると、一瞬で凝固が進行する。
When an impact is given to a supercooled liquid, solidification proceeds in an instant.
Karyikyū (supercooling).
合金の凝固過程における結晶成長のメカニズムを解明する。
To elucidate the mechanism of crystal growth during the solidification process of an alloy.
Kesshō seichō (crystal growth).
抗凝固療法は、血栓症の予防において極めて重要である。
Anticoagulation therapy is extremely important in the prevention of thrombosis.
Kō-gyōko ryōhō (anticoagulation therapy).
高分子溶液の凝固点降下を利用して、分子量を測定する。
Measure molecular weight by utilizing the freezing-point depression of a polymer solution.
Kōbunshi (polymer).
鋳造プロセスにおいて、凝固収縮による欠陥を防ぐ設計が必要だ。
In the casting process, a design that prevents defects due to solidification shrinkage is necessary.
Gyōko shūshuku (solidification shrinkage).
コロイド粒子が電解質の添加によって凝固・沈殿する現象を観察した。
Observed the phenomenon where colloidal particles coagulate and precipitate due to the addition of electrolytes.
Chinden (precipitation).
生体外での血液凝固時間を測定し、肝機能を評価する。
Measure the blood coagulation time in vitro to evaluate liver function.
Seitai-gai (in vitro/outside the body).
凝固界面における溶質分配係数の変動が、組織の偏析を引き起こす。
Fluctuations in the solute distribution coefficient at the solidification interface cause segregation of the structure.
Highly technical metallurgical terminology.
非平衡凝固理論に基づき、急冷凝固組織の微細化を試みる。
Attempt to refine the rapidly solidified structure based on non-equilibrium solidification theory.
Hi-heikō (non-equilibrium).
血液凝固カスケードの複雑な相互作用を分子レベルで記述する。
Describe the complex interactions of the blood coagulation cascade at the molecular level.
Kasuke-do (cascade).
凝固潜熱の放出が、周囲の温度場に与えるフィードバックを計算する。
Calculate the feedback that the release of latent heat of solidification gives to the surrounding temperature field.
Gyōko sennetsu (latent heat of solidification).
デンドライト成長における凝固形態の安定性解析を行う。
Perform stability analysis of solidification morphology in dendrite growth.
Dendoraito (dendrite).
多成分系合金の凝固パスを熱力学データベースを用いて予測する。
Predict the solidification path of multi-component alloys using a thermodynamic database.
Ta-seibun-kei (multi-component system).
血管内皮細胞の損傷が、局所的な凝固亢進状態を誘発する。
Damage to vascular endothelial cells induces a localized hypercoagulable state.
Gyōko kōshin (hypercoagulability).
重力環境が凝固組織の対流現象に及ぼす影響を微小重力下で検証した。
Verified the effect of the gravity environment on the convection phenomena of the solidified structure under microgravity.
Bishō-jūryoku (microgravity).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
Avoid unless specifically talking about science.
Standard term for clotting.
Always preferred over 'katamaru'.
- Using 凝固 for 'freezing' food in a freezer (use 冷凍).
- Using 凝固 for 'solidifying' a business deal (use 固まる).
- Confusing 凝固 (liquid to solid) with 凝縮 (gas to liquid).
- Miswriting the kanji 凝 by omitting the ice radical.
- Using 凝固 in a casual conversation about jelly (sounds too robotic).
Tipps
Ice Radical
The left part of 凝 is 冫. This radical always relates to ice or cold. It helps you distinguish it from 疑 (doubt).
Science Context
Whenever you see a liquid turning into a solid in a textbook, the word used will almost certainly be 凝固.
Blood Clotting
In a medical context, 凝固 is the standard word for coagulation. Learn 'kō-gyōko' (anticoagulation) too.
Tofu Secret
Remembering that 'nigari' is a 凝固剤 will help you link the word to a real-world object.
JLPT N2/N1
Expect this word in the 'Science and Technology' or 'Health' sections of the reading test.
Suru-Verb
It's very easy to use as a verb. Just add 'suru'. 'Mizu ga gyōko suru' (Water solidifies).
Long Vowel
Don't say 'gyoko'. It's 'gyōko' (gyo-u-ko). The long 'o' sound is important for clarity.
Vs Katamaru
Use 'katamaru' for plans, clay, or cement in casual talk. Use 'gyōko' for blood or lab chemicals.
Phase Change
Think of 'gyōko' as a 'state change' word. It's about the physics of the matter.
Lava Flow
Visualize lava turning into stone. That process is the perfect example of 凝固.
Einprägen
Wortherkunft
Sino-Japanese (Kango)
Kultureller Kontext
Children learn 'gyōko' in 4th or 5th grade science.
Nigari (magnesium chloride) is the most famous 凝固剤 in Japan.
Due to an aging population, terms like 'anticoagulants' (抗凝固薬) are frequently heard in pharmaceutical commercials.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"血液の凝固について学んだことがありますか? (Have you ever studied blood coagulation?)"
"豆腐を作る時に使う凝固剤は何ですか? (What coagulant is used when making tofu?)"
"水の凝固点は何度か知っていますか? (Do you know what the freezing point of water is?)"
"溶岩が凝固する様子を見たことがありますか? (Have you ever seen lava solidifying?)"
"この液体は何度で凝固しますか? (At what temperature does this liquid solidify?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
理科の実験で凝固について書く。 (Write about solidification in a science experiment.)
怪我をした時の血液凝固の不思議について。 (About the wonder of blood clotting when injured.)
冬の朝、池が凝固しているのを見た感想。 (Impressions of seeing a pond solidified on a winter morning.)
料理で液体が固まる(凝固する)プロセスを観察する。 (Observe the process of liquid hardening/coagulating in cooking.)
新しい言葉「凝固」をどんな時に使いたいか。 (When would you like to use the new word 'gyōko'?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenTechnically yes, the liquid mix solidifies into ice cream. However, in a shop or at home, people just say 'katamaru' or 'kooru'. Using 'gyōko' would make you sound like a food scientist.
凝固 is the general scientific term for liquid to solid. 凍結 specifically implies freezing due to cold temperatures. You wouldn't call blood clotting 'tōketsu' because it's not caused by cold.
Yes, it has 16 strokes. Focus on the left 'ice' radical and the right side which looks like 'doubt' (疑) but is slightly different. Practice is key.
Yes, it usually appears in N2 or N1 level reading passages, particularly those focused on science, nature, or health.
It is 凝固剤 (gyōkozai). You use it for making tofu or treating wastewater.
No. If you mean a person is stubborn, use 'kori-katamaru'. If you mean they are cold-hearted, use 'tsumetai'. 'Gyōko' is for physical matter.
The most direct scientific opposite is 融解 (yūkai), which means melting or fusion.
A blood clot itself is 凝固塊 (gyōkokai) or more commonly 血栓 (kessen).
It is common in textbooks and news, but rare in casual spoken Japanese. You should know it for reading and formal listening.
Not always. It can be caused by chemical reactions (like adding acid to milk) or pressure changes, though cooling is the most common cause.
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 凝固 (gyōko) when you need to be scientifically precise about a liquid becoming a solid. It is the 'textbook' word for freezing or clotting, whereas 'katamaru' is the everyday word for hardening. Remember the 'ice' radical in the first kanji!
- 凝固 (gyōko) is the formal Japanese term for 'solidification' or 'coagulation,' describing the transition from a liquid state to a solid state.
- It is primarily used in scientific, medical, and industrial contexts, such as describing blood clotting, lava cooling, or chemical reactions in food.
- Commonly functions as a noun or a suru-verb (凝固する). It is much more formal than the everyday verb 'katamaru' (to harden).
- Key related terms include 凝固点 (freezing point), 血液凝固 (blood coagulation), and 凝固剤 (coagulant or hardening agent).
Ice Radical
The left part of 凝 is 冫. This radical always relates to ice or cold. It helps you distinguish it from 疑 (doubt).
Science Context
Whenever you see a liquid turning into a solid in a textbook, the word used will almost certainly be 凝固.
Blood Clotting
In a medical context, 凝固 is the standard word for coagulation. Learn 'kō-gyōko' (anticoagulation) too.
Tofu Secret
Remembering that 'nigari' is a 凝固剤 will help you link the word to a real-world object.
Beispiel
水が凝固します。
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr Science Wörter
吸収
A1Der Vorgang des Aufnehmens oder Aufsaugens von etwas, wie Flüssigkeit, Licht oder Wissen. Es beschreibt sowohl physische als auch metaphorische Prozesse.
分析
B1Die Analyse der Daten ergab unerwartete Trends.
原子
A1Ein Atom ist der Grundbaustein aller Materie. Es ist die kleinste Einheit eines chemischen Elements.
引力
A1Es ist die physikalische Kraft, die Objekte zueinander zieht. Es wird auch verwendet, um einen starken Charme zu beschreiben.
細菌
A1Mikroskopisch kleine, einzellige Organismen. Einige verursachen Krankheiten, viele sind nützlich.
繁殖
A1Die Fortpflanzung oder Vermehrung von Tieren, Pflanzen oder Mikroorganismen. Es wird nicht für die menschliche Fortpflanzung verwendet.
炭素
A1Kohlenstoff ist ein chemisches Element, das in allen Lebewesen vorkommt. Es ist der Hauptbestandteil von Graphit und Diamanten.
触媒
A1Ein Katalysator. Ein Stoff, der eine chemische Reaktion beschleunigt, oder eine Person/Sache, die eine schnelle Veränderung bewirkt.
塩素
A1Chlor ist ein chemisches Element, das zur Wasserdesinfektion verwendet wird. Es ist bekannt für seinen starken Geruch in Schwimmbädern.
解明
A1Aufklärung, Klärung. Der Akt, ein Geheimnis zu lüften oder ein komplexes Problem zu klären.