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A2 verb #10,000 よく出る 13分で読める

décongeler

練習する 例文 メモとヒント décongeler 30秒で
解説 décongeler in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that décongeler means 'to thaw' or 'to defrost' food. It is a word you might see on a microwave or in a simple recipe. Think of it as the opposite of 'putting something in the freezer'. When you take a pizza out of the freezer and want to eat it, you might need to décongeler it first. You can remember it because it starts with 'dé-' (which often means 'undo') and has 'congeler' (which looks like 'congeal' or 'cold'). In A1, you will mostly use it in the infinitive form, like 'Je dois décongeler le poulet' (I must thaw the chicken). It is a very practical word for daily life in a French-speaking country. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the basic meaning related to food and the kitchen. You might also see the word 'Décongélation' on a button on a microwave oven. This is the noun form, but it's used the same way. Just remember: frozen food -> décongeler -> ready to cook! It is a regular -er verb, so it follows the same patterns as 'manger' or 'parler', but with a small spelling change in the middle that you will learn later. For now, just recognize it when you see it in a kitchen context.
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At the A2 level, you should start using décongeler in full sentences and understand its conjugation. As a regular -er verb with a stem change, it follows a specific pattern: the 'e' becomes 'è' in the singular forms and the third-person plural (je décongèle, tu décongèles, il/elle décongèle, ils/elles décongèlent). This happens to keep the pronunciation consistent. You should also know the difference between décongeler and fondre. Use décongeler for food you took out of the freezer. Use fondre for things like ice, snow, or butter in a hot pan. At this level, you can describe your cooking routine: 'Hier, j'ai décongelé du poisson pour le dîner' (Yesterday, I thawed some fish for dinner). You will also encounter the past participle décongelé used as an adjective, especially on food labels. It is very important to recognize the phrase 'Produit décongelé, ne pas recongeler' because it is a common safety warning in France. This level is about moving from simple recognition to active usage in domestic contexts and understanding basic food safety instructions.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use décongeler with more nuance and in different tenses, such as the future or the conditional. You should be able to follow more complex instructions: 'Si vous décongelez la viande trop vite, elle perdra sa saveur' (If you thaw the meat too quickly, it will lose its flavor). You should also understand the reflexive form se décongeler. While décongeler is something you do to the food, se décongeler describes the food itself undergoing the process: 'Le gâteau se décongèle sur la table' (The cake is thawing on the table). You should also start to distinguish between décongeler and dégeler. While décongeler is for intentional actions with frozen products, dégeler is used for natural events, like the ground thawing after winter. At B1, you can also discuss the pros and cons of different thawing methods, such as using the microwave versus the refrigerator. This level involves integrating the word into broader discussions about lifestyle, health, and cooking habits, and using it correctly in both spoken and written French.
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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using décongeler in technical and metaphorical contexts. You might encounter it in scientific articles or more advanced culinary texts. You should also be aware of the noun décongélation and how it is used in professional settings, such as 'le processus de décongélation' in a food processing plant. At this level, you can also understand the rare figurative use of the verb to describe a person 'thawing out' or becoming less cold and distant. For example, 'Après quelques minutes, l'ambiance a commencé à se décongeler' (After a few minutes, the atmosphere began to thaw/warm up). You should also be able to explain the legal requirements for labeling thawed products in France, using the term décongelé accurately as an adjective. Your command of the stem-changing conjugation should be perfect, and you should be able to use the verb in the subjunctive mood if necessary: 'Il est important que vous décongeliez les crevettes avant de commencer' (It is important that you thaw the shrimp before starting). B2 learners should also recognize the difference between décongeler and dégivrer (to defrost a machine/windshield).
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At the C1 level, your use of décongeler should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You should understand the subtle connotations it carries regarding food quality and industrial vs. artisanal products. You might use it in a debate about the ethics of serving 'plats décongelés' in restaurants, a common topic of discussion in French society regarding the 'Fait Maison' (homemade) label. You should also be able to use the word in specialized contexts, such as 'décongeler des avoirs bancaires' (unfreezing bank assets) in a legal or financial discussion, although dégeler is also common there. Your understanding of the word's etymology (from the Latin 'congelare') and its relation to other words in the 'gel' (frost/ice) family should be clear. You can use the verb in complex sentence structures, such as using the gerund: 'En décongelant la viande lentement, on préserve sa texture' (By thawing the meat slowly, one preserves its texture). At C1, you are not just using the word; you are aware of its socio-cultural weight in a country that prides itself on fresh, non-processed food.
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At the C2 level, you possess a complete mastery of décongeler and all its related forms and synonyms. You can appreciate its use in literature or high-level journalism to create specific imagery. You might encounter it in a philosophical context, discussing the 'thawing' of ideas or historical movements. You understand the precise chemical and physical changes the word implies—the breaking of hydrogen bonds in ice crystals—and can discuss this in a technical capacity if needed. You are also aware of regional variations; for instance, how the word might be used slightly differently in Québec compared to Metropolitan France. You can play with the word's meaning in creative writing, perhaps using the process of décongélation as a metaphor for personal growth or the rediscovery of suppressed emotions. At this level, the word is a flexible tool in your linguistic arsenal, and you can use it with precision, irony, or technical accuracy across any domain of human activity, from the kitchen to the courtroom to the laboratory.
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décongeler 30秒で

  • Décongeler means to thaw or defrost frozen food or items.
  • It is a regular -er verb but has a stem change (e to è) in some forms.
  • It is used for items intentionally frozen, unlike 'dégeler' for natural ice.
  • Never refreeze a product once it has been décongelé for safety reasons.

The French verb décongeler is a fundamental term in the modern kitchen, but its implications reach far beyond simply preparing a meal. At its core, it refers to the process of returning a substance, typically food, from a frozen solid state to a liquid or soft state by increasing its temperature. While the English equivalent is 'to thaw' or 'to defrost,' the French language distinguishes between natural thawing and intentional thawing. Décongeler is almost exclusively used for items that have been intentionally frozen by humans, such as meat, vegetables, or pre-prepared meals. This distinction is vital for learners to grasp because using the wrong term can sound unnatural to a native speaker. For instance, you would never say the snow is 'décongeler'; instead, you would use 'fondre' (to melt) or 'dégeler' (to thaw naturally). The process of décongeler is often discussed in the context of food safety and culinary preparation. In France, where gastronomy is a cornerstone of culture, the method of thawing is just as important as the cooking itself. Chefs will often debate whether it is better to décongeler something slowly in the refrigerator to preserve the cellular structure of the food or to use a microwave for speed. This word is a regular -er verb, making it relatively easy to conjugate, which is a relief for A2 learners who are just beginning to navigate more complex kitchen vocabulary.

La Congélation vs. La Surgélation
Congélation refers to domestic freezing (slow), while surgélation refers to industrial deep-freezing (ultra-fast). You décongeler both.
Le Contexte Culinaire
This verb is essential when following a recipe or reading instructions on packaging in a French supermarket like Carrefour or Monoprix.

Il est impératif de décongeler le poulet au réfrigérateur pour éviter la prolifération des bactéries.

Beyond the kitchen, the word can occasionally be used in scientific contexts involving biological samples or cryogenics. However, for most learners, the primary encounter with this word will be in daily life. Imagine you are at a friend's house in Lyon, and they ask you to help with dinner. They might say, 'Peux-tu décongeler le pain ?' (Can you thaw the bread?). Understanding this word allows you to participate in the domestic routines of French-speaking households. It also appears frequently in consumer protection warnings, as French law is very strict about the labeling of previously frozen products. If a product has been décongelé, it must be labeled as such in a bakery or restaurant, as it is illegal to refreeze it. This adds a layer of social and legal importance to the word. Furthermore, the action of décongeler is often associated with the 'chaîne du froid' (cold chain), a concept taken very seriously in France to ensure food quality. Therefore, when you use this word, you are not just talking about ice turning to water; you are engaging with French standards of health, safety, and culinary excellence.

N'oubliez pas de décongeler les crevettes avant de les faire sauter à la poêle.

Usage au Micro-ondes
Most French microwaves have a specific button labeled 'Décongélation' (the noun form) for this purpose.

Le boucher m'a conseillé de ne pas décongeler la viande à l'air libre.

Using décongeler correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature. In most cases, it is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You décongeler something. For example, 'Je décongèle le steak' (I am thawing the steak). Note the spelling change in the conjugation: for verbs ending in -eler like décongeler, the 'e' before the 'l' changes to an 'è' in certain forms to maintain the correct vowel sound (e.g., je décongèle, tu décongèles, il décongèle, ils décongèlent). However, in the 'nous' and 'vous' forms, it remains 'nous décongelons' and 'vous décongelez'. This is a common pattern in French grammar that learners must master to write accurately. Additionally, the verb can be used in the passive voice to describe the state of the food: 'Le poisson est en train de se décongeler' (The fish is in the process of thawing). Using the reflexive form se décongeler shifts the focus to the object itself undergoing the process, similar to saying 'the meat is thawing' rather than 'I am thawing the meat.'

Direct Object Usage
Subject + Décongeler + Noun (e.g., Elle décongèle les légumes).
Reflexive Usage
Noun + Se Décongeler (e.g., La glace se décongèle doucement).

Si vous voulez manger ce soir, vous devriez décongeler le rôti dès maintenant.

The word is also frequently used in the imperative mood, especially in instructional settings like recipes or kitchens. 'Décongelez le produit pendant deux heures' (Thaw the product for two hours). It is also common to see it in the past participle form, décongelé, which acts as an adjective. A 'produit décongelé' is a thawed product. This adjective is crucial for labeling. In a sentence like 'Ne jamais recongeler un produit décongelé' (Never refreeze a thawed product), you see the word functioning to provide a vital safety warning. Learners should also be aware of the adverbial phrases often used with this verb, such as 'lentement' (slowly), 'au micro-ondes' (in the microwave), or 'à température ambiante' (at room temperature). These phrases help specify the method of thawing, which is often the most important part of the instruction. For example, 'Il vaut mieux décongeler la pâte à tarte au frigo' (It is better to thaw the pie crust in the fridge) provides a specific, helpful instruction that uses the verb in its infinitive form following another verb (vaut mieux).

Est-ce que tu as pensé à décongeler le dessert pour les invités ?

Common Tense: Passé Composé
J'ai décongelé la viande hier soir (I thawed the meat last night).

Nous décongelons toujours le pain avant de le passer au four.

The most common place to hear décongeler is undoubtedly the domestic kitchen. In a French household, the daily question 'Qu'est-ce qu'on mange ce soir ?' (What are we eating tonight?) is often followed by 'Il faut décongeler quelque chose' (We need to thaw something). You will hear it in conversations between family members planning meals or in grocery stores when customers ask about the freshness of products. In a professional setting, such as a restaurant kitchen (une cuisine de restaurant), the head chef (le chef de cuisine) might instruct a commis (junior chef) to décongeler specific ingredients for the evening service. This word is part of the technical vocabulary of the 'métiers de bouche' (food professions). If you watch French cooking shows like 'Top Chef France' or 'Le Meilleur Pâtissier', you will frequently hear contestants discussing whether they have enough time to décongeler a component of their dish. The urgency often associated with these shows makes the word a focal point of the drama.

Au Supermarché
You will see signs or labels saying 'Produit décongelé, ne pas recongeler' near the seafood or bakery sections.
À la Télévision
Cooking shows and health documentaries often use this word when discussing food safety and hygiene.

Le serveur m'a assuré que les fruits de mer n'avaient pas été décongelés.

Another context is the scientific or medical field. While less common for the average person, researchers working with biological samples, such as stem cells or plasma, use the term décongeler when preparing these materials for study. In these high-stakes environments, the process of décongélation (the noun) must be extremely precise. You might also hear the word in a metaphorical sense, though this is rarer than in English. In English, we might talk about 'thawing' a relationship, but in French, the word 'dégeler' is more common for metaphorical uses (e.g., 'dégeler les relations diplomatiques'). However, décongeler can be used figuratively in a humorous way, for example, to describe someone who has been very stiff or cold and is finally starting to relax or 'warm up' to others. 'Il commence enfin à se décongeler' (He's finally starting to thaw out/relax). This usage emphasizes a transition from a 'frozen' or rigid state to a more fluid and social one. Lastly, in the world of technology, specifically regarding 'frozen' accounts or assets, you might hear 'décongeler des avoirs' in a financial news report, meaning to unfreeze assets that were previously blocked by legal or political action.

On peut décongeler le pain en quelques secondes avec la fonction décongélation.

Dans les Laboratoires
Scientists use specific protocols to décongeler samples to ensure they remain viable for testing.

Il faut décongeler les échantillons avant de procéder à l'analyse.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using décongeler is confusing it with the verb 'fondre' (to melt). In English, we might say 'the ice is melting' or 'the meat is thawing,' and sometimes we use 'melt' loosely. However, in French, fondre is reserved for substances that turn into a liquid state, like ice turning to water, chocolate turning to liquid, or wax melting. You would never 'fondre' a steak; you décongeler it. Another common error is the confusion between décongeler and 'dégeler'. While they both translate to 'thaw,' dégeler is used for natural processes, such as the ground thawing after a frost or a lake thawing in spring. If you say you are going to 'dégeler' the chicken, a French person will understand you, but it will sound slightly off, as if the chicken was naturally frosted over in the wild rather than placed in a freezer by you.

Décongeler vs. Fondre
Use décongeler for food/items from a freezer; use fondre for substances changing state into liquid (ice, snow, cheese).
Décongeler vs. Dégeler
Use décongeler for intentional acts; use dégeler for natural weather-related thawing.

Faux: Je vais fondre les petits pois. (Incorrect: You don't turn peas into liquid). Correct: Je vais décongeler les petits pois.

Spelling and conjugation also present hurdles. Because décongeler is a verb in -eler, it follows specific stem-changing rules. Many students forget to add the grave accent (è) in the present tense for 'je', 'tu', 'il/elle', and 'ils/elles'. Writing 'je décongele' instead of 'je décongèle' is a common orthographic mistake. While the pronunciation of the 'e' and 'è' is distinct in French, English speakers might not hear the difference initially and thus fail to write it correctly. Furthermore, there is the confusion with the word 'décomposer' (to decompose). While they sound vaguely similar to a beginner's ear, they have vastly different meanings. You certainly don't want to tell your French host that the meat is 'décomposing' when you mean it is 'thawing'! Lastly, pay attention to the prefix. Some learners might try to say 'un-geler' or 'non-geler,' which are not words. The prefix 'dé-' is the standard way in French to indicate the reversal of an action, in this case, the action of 'congeler' (to freeze).

Attention: Ne confondez pas décongeler (thaw) avec dégouliner (to drip).

Common Spelling Error
Forgetting the accent: 'il décongele' (Wrong) vs 'il décongèle' (Right).

N'utilisez pas décongeler pour la neige qui fond au soleil.

While décongeler is the most precise word for thawing frozen food, there are several other verbs that share a semantic field and are worth knowing to enrich your vocabulary. The most direct alternative is dégeler. As mentioned previously, dégeler is used for natural thawing (like a frozen pipe or the ground), but it is also the preferred term for metaphorical 'thawing' in relationships or politics. If two countries are finally starting to talk after a long conflict, journalists will speak of 'le dégel des relations' (the thawing of relations). Another related verb is fondre. While it specifically means 'to melt,' it is often used when the substance actually turns to liquid. For example, if you leave ice cream on the counter, it will décongeler (thaw) and eventually fondre (melt into a liquid). Knowing when to switch from one to the other shows a high level of nuance in your French.

Dégeler
Used for natural ice or metaphorical situations (e.g., 'Le lac dégèle en avril').
Fondre
Used when a solid becomes a liquid (e.g., 'Le beurre fond dans la poêle').
Ramollir
To soften. Often used when thawing something just enough so it isn't hard anymore (e.g., 'Laisser ramollir le beurre').

On peut décongeler le pain, mais on fait fondre le chocolat.

In some culinary contexts, you might use tiédir, which means to make lukewarm. This isn't a synonym for thawing, but it is often the next step after a product has been décongelé. For example, 'Après avoir décongelé le lait maternel, il faut le faire tiédir' (After thawing the breast milk, it must be warmed to lukewarm). Another interesting comparison is with réchauffer (to reheat). You might décongeler a soup and then réchauffer it to a boiling point. The two actions are distinct steps in the preparation process. Understanding these distinctions allows you to follow complex French recipes with ease. In more formal or technical French, you might encounter the term liquéfier (to liquefy), though this is usually reserved for gases or industrial processes. By comparing décongeler with these alternatives, you build a mental map of how temperature and state changes are described in French, moving you beyond simple translations and toward true linguistic competence.

Je dois dégivrer le congélateur avant de décongeler la dinde.

Tiédir
To bring to a mild, lukewarm temperature, often after thawing.

Le soleil a fait dégeler la route, mais il faut encore décongeler le dîner.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The root 'gel-' is also found in words like 'gelatin', 'jelly', and even the English word 'chill' (via a distant Germanic common ancestor). In French, the word 'décongeler' only became common in the 20th century with the invention of domestic freezers.

発音ガイド

UK /de.kɔ̃.ʒə.le/
US /de.kɔ̃.ʒə.le/
The stress in French is usually on the last syllable of the word or rhythmic group, so 'le' receives slightly more emphasis.
韻が合う語
manger parler aller dégeler congeler aimer jouer donner
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the final 'r' (it should be silent).
  • Using a hard 'g' sound like in 'goat' instead of a soft 'zh' sound.
  • Failing to make the 'on' nasal.
  • Pronouncing 'dé' as 'dee' instead of 'day'.
  • Confusing the pronunciation with 'décomposer'.

難易度

読解 2/5

The word is easy to recognize because of its components 'dé' and 'congeler'.

ライティング 3/5

The stem change (e to è) in conjugation can be tricky for beginners.

スピーキング 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once you know the silent 'r'.

リスニング 2/5

Easily understood in context, especially in a kitchen.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

froid glace manger cuisine congeler

次に学ぶ

fondre dégeler réchauffer cuire bouillir

上級

cryogénisation surgélation osmotique chaîne du froid

知っておくべき文法

Stem-changing verbs in -eler

Je décongèle (accent grave) vs Nous décongelons (no accent).

Reflexive verbs for passive meaning

La viande se décongèle (The meat is thawing).

Past participle as adjective

Un poisson décongelé (A thawed fish).

Impersonal 'Il faut' + infinitive

Il faut décongeler le plat.

Negative imperative

Ne décongelez pas trop vite.

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レベル別の例文

1

Je dois décongeler le pain pour le petit-déjeuner.

I must thaw the bread for breakfast.

Uses 'dois' (must) followed by the infinitive 'décongeler'.

2

Est-ce que tu peux décongeler la pizza ?

Can you thaw the pizza?

Interrogative sentence with 'peux' (can).

3

Il faut décongeler le poisson maintenant.

The fish must be thawed now.

Uses the impersonal expression 'il faut' (it is necessary).

4

Ne décongèle pas la viande au soleil.

Don't thaw the meat in the sun.

Negative imperative form (tu form).

5

Maman va décongeler les légumes.

Mom is going to thaw the vegetables.

Near future tense with 'aller' + infinitive.

6

Le micro-ondes peut décongeler vite.

The microwave can thaw quickly.

Simple subject-verb-adverb structure.

7

Je décongèle mon dîner.

I am thawing my dinner.

Present tense, note the accent change to 'è'.

8

Nous décongelons le gâteau pour la fête.

We are thawing the cake for the party.

Present tense 'nous' form, no accent change.

1

J'ai décongelé le poulet hier soir dans le frigo.

I thawed the chicken last night in the fridge.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

2

Ce steak est encore congelé, il faut le décongeler.

This steak is still frozen, it needs to be thawed.

Contrast between 'congelé' (adjective) and 'décongeler' (verb).

3

Elle décongèle les crevettes dans de l'eau froide.

She is thawing the shrimp in cold water.

Present tense 'elle' form with accent change.

4

N'oubliez pas de décongeler le dessert avant de servir.

Don't forget to thaw the dessert before serving.

Imperative 'vous' form of 'oublier' + de + infinitive.

5

Vous décongelez la viande au micro-ondes ?

Are you thawing the meat in the microwave?

Present tense 'vous' form question.

6

Le pain se décongèle très rapidement à l'air libre.

The bread thaws very quickly in the open air.

Reflexive form 'se décongeler' used for the object.

7

On ne doit jamais recongeler un produit décongelé.

One must never refreeze a thawed product.

Use of 'décongelé' as a past participle adjective.

8

Ils décongèlent les épinards pour faire une tarte.

They are thawing the spinach to make a tart.

Present tense 'ils' form with accent change.

1

Si tu décongèles le poisson trop vite, il sera sec.

If you thaw the fish too fast, it will be dry.

Conditional 'si' clause (present + future).

2

Il vaudrait mieux décongeler la dinde vingt-quatre heures à l'avance.

It would be better to thaw the turkey twenty-four hours in advance.

Conditional 'vaudrait mieux' + infinitive.

3

Pendant que la viande se décongèle, je prépare la sauce.

While the meat is thawing, I'm preparing the sauce.

Use of 'pendant que' with the reflexive form.

4

J'ai utilisé la fonction 'décongélation' de mon nouveau four.

I used the 'defrost' function of my new oven.

Noun form 'décongélation' used as a technical term.

5

Bien que nous ayons décongelé le poulet, nous avons décidé d'aller au restaurant.

Although we thawed the chicken, we decided to go to the restaurant.

Subjunctive past after 'bien que'.

6

Il est conseillé de décongeler les aliments dans leur emballage d'origine.

It is advised to thaw food in its original packaging.

Passive structure 'il est conseillé de'.

7

Je décongèlerai les fruits rouges demain matin pour le smoothie.

I will thaw the red fruits tomorrow morning for the smoothie.

Future tense 'je' form.

8

Est-ce que tu penses qu'on peut décongeler ce plat au bain-marie ?

Do you think we can thaw this dish in a bain-marie?

Question about method using 'pense que'.

1

Le chef insiste pour que l'on décongèle les Saint-Jacques avec précaution.

The chef insists that we thaw the scallops with care.

Subjunctive present 'décongèle' after 'insiste pour que'.

2

Une fois décongelés, les produits perdent souvent une partie de leur eau.

Once thawed, products often lose part of their water.

Past participle used as an adjective in a general truth.

3

Il est primordial de ne pas décongeler les aliments à température ambiante.

It is vital not to thaw food at room temperature.

Formal structure 'il est primordial de'.

4

Le processus pour décongeler ces échantillons biologiques est très strict.

The process for thawing these biological samples is very strict.

Technical context usage.

5

L'ambiance glaciale entre les deux collègues a fini par se décongeler.

The icy atmosphere between the two colleagues finally began to thaw.

Figurative/metaphorical usage.

6

Nous aurions dû décongeler la pâte feuilletée plus tôt.

We should have thawed the puff pastry earlier.

Past conditional 'auraient dû'.

7

Certains prétendent qu'il ne faut pas décongeler les légumes avant la cuisson.

Some claim that vegetables should not be thawed before cooking.

Reporting a claim with 'prétendent que'.

8

En décongelant lentement, on évite que les bactéries ne se multiplient.

By thawing slowly, one prevents bacteria from multiplying.

Gerund 'en décongelant' and expletive 'ne'.

1

Le restaurateur a été sanctionné pour avoir servi des produits décongelés sans le mentionner.

The restaurant owner was sanctioned for serving thawed products without mentioning it.

Complex passive structure and legal context.

2

Il convient de décongeler les tissus avec une extrême précision pour maintenir l'intégrité cellulaire.

It is appropriate to thaw the tissues with extreme precision to maintain cellular integrity.

Formal 'il convient de' and scientific vocabulary.

3

La diplomatie tente de décongeler les avoirs financiers bloqués par les sanctions.

Diplomacy is attempting to unfreeze financial assets blocked by sanctions.

Financial/Political metaphorical usage.

4

Sa froideur apparente n'était qu'une façade qui ne demandait qu'à se décongeler.

His apparent coldness was only a facade that was just waiting to thaw.

Literary metaphorical usage.

5

Avant que le produit ne se décongèle totalement, il faut vérifier sa température à cœur.

Before the product thaws completely, its core temperature must be checked.

Subjunctive with 'avant que' and expletive 'ne'.

6

L'industrie agroalimentaire utilise des tunnels d'air pulsé pour décongeler rapidement les carcasses.

The food industry uses pulsed air tunnels to quickly thaw carcasses.

Industrial/Technical vocabulary.

7

On peut regretter que certains boulangers se contentent de décongeler des pâtes industrielles.

One may regret that some bakers settle for thawing industrial dough.

Subjunctive after 'regretter que'.

8

La méthode consistant à décongeler à l'eau courante est énergivore et peu écologique.

The method of thawing under running water is energy-intensive and not very ecological.

Usage of 'consistant à' and sophisticated adjectives.

1

L'œuvre de cet auteur semble décongeler les structures narratives figées du siècle dernier.

This author's work seems to thaw the frozen narrative structures of the last century.

Highly abstract/literary usage.

2

Sous l'effet de la passion, son cœur de pierre commença enfin à se décongeler.

Under the influence of passion, his heart of stone finally began to thaw.

Poetic/Metaphorical usage.

3

Le protocole de décongélation des ovocytes requiert une maîtrise technique absolue pour éviter tout choc osmotique.

The oocyte thawing protocol requires absolute technical mastery to avoid any osmotic shock.

Medical/Biological specialist language.

4

Il n'est pas rare de voir des relations diplomatiques se décongeler à la faveur d'un événement sportif mondial.

It is not uncommon to see diplomatic relations thaw thanks to a global sporting event.

Sophisticated political commentary.

5

Le dégel printanier, s'il fait dégeler les sols, ne permet pas de décongeler les mentalités les plus obtuses.

The spring thaw, while it thaws the ground, does not allow for the thawing of the most obtuse mindsets.

Contrast between literal 'dégeler' and metaphorical 'décongeler'.

6

La législation européenne encadre strictement la manière de décongeler les denrées périssables destinées à l'exportation.

European legislation strictly regulates the manner of thawing perishable goods intended for export.

Legal/Administrative terminology.

7

En décongelant les archives secrètes, l'historien a mis au jour des vérités dérangeantes.

By unfreezing the secret archives, the historian brought to light disturbing truths.

Metaphorical use in research/history.

8

La cryogénie soulève la question de savoir si l'on pourra un jour décongeler un être humain sans dommages irréversibles.

Cryogenics raises the question of whether we will one day be able to thaw a human being without irreversible damage.

Philosophical/Scientific inquiry.

よく使う組み合わせ

décongeler au réfrigérateur
décongeler au micro-ondes
décongeler à l'air libre
décongeler à cœur
décongeler lentement
décongeler rapidement
laisser décongeler
faire décongeler
décongeler sous l'eau
produit à décongeler

よく使うフレーズ

Ne jamais recongeler un produit décongelé

— A standard safety warning meaning you should never refreeze something that has already been thawed.

C'est écrit sur l'emballage : ne jamais recongeler un produit décongelé.

Laisser décongeler toute la nuit

— To allow something to thaw for the duration of the night, usually in the fridge.

Pour une dinde parfaite, il faut la laisser décongeler toute la nuit.

Décongeler avant cuisson

— A common instruction on frozen food packaging indicating that the item must be thawed before being cooked.

Certains plats ne nécessitent pas de décongeler avant cuisson.

Temps de décongélation

— The amount of time required for a product to fully thaw.

Le temps de décongélation dépend de la taille de la pièce de viande.

Mode décongélation

— The specific setting on a microwave or oven designed for thawing.

Mettez le four sur mode décongélation pendant dix minutes.

Décongeler à température ambiante

— To let something thaw on the counter at room temperature (often discouraged for meat).

Le pain peut se décongeler à température ambiante en une heure.

Décongeler par étapes

— To thaw something in several phases, often moving from freezer to fridge to counter.

Il est préférable de décongeler par étapes pour les pâtisseries fragiles.

Vérifier si c'est décongelé

— To check if the item is no longer frozen.

Touche le centre pour vérifier si c'est bien décongelé.

Décongeler des avoirs

— A financial term meaning to unfreeze assets that were blocked.

Le gouvernement a décidé de décongeler les avoirs de cette entreprise.

Décongeler l'atmosphère

— A figurative expression meaning to make a social situation less tense or cold.

Une petite blague a permis de décongeler l'atmosphère pendant la réunion.

よく混同される語

décongeler vs dégeler

English speakers use 'thaw' for both. In French, 'décongeler' is for food/freezers, 'dégeler' is for nature/metaphors.

décongeler vs fondre

Use 'fondre' for melting into a liquid (ice to water). Use 'décongeler' for making a frozen solid soft again.

décongeler vs dégivrer

Use 'dégivrer' for removing frost from a fridge or car. Use 'décongeler' for the food inside.

慣用句と表現

"Se décongeler le cerveau"

— A humorous or slang way to say one is starting to think clearly again after being tired or confused.

Après un café, je commence enfin à me décongeler le cerveau.

informal
"Être un produit décongelé"

— Used metaphorically to describe someone who lacks energy, freshness, or originality.

Ce politicien a l'air d'un produit décongelé, il n'a aucune idée neuve.

informal
"Décongeler les relations"

— To improve a relationship that has been cold or hostile for a long time.

Leur rencontre a servi à décongeler les relations entre les deux familles.

neutral
"Se décongeler les membres"

— To warm up one's limbs after being in the cold.

Viens près du feu pour te décongeler les membres.

neutral
"Décongeler un sourire"

— To finally smile after being very serious or grumpy.

Il a fallu beaucoup d'efforts pour lui faire décongeler un sourire.

literary
"Décongeler les crédits"

— To release funds or credits that were previously withheld or frozen.

Le ministère va enfin décongeler les crédits pour la recherche.

formal
"Se décongeler la langue"

— To finally start speaking after being silent or shy.

Après un verre de vin, il s'est enfin décongelé la langue.

informal
"Vendre du décongelé"

— To pass something off as fresh when it is actually old or processed.

Ce restaurant prétend être bio, mais ils vendent du décongelé.

informal
"Décongeler les prix"

— To allow prices to rise after a period of price freezing or control.

Le gouvernement prévoit de décongeler les prix de l'électricité l'année prochaine.

formal
"Un cœur à décongeler"

— Describes a person who is emotionally cold and needs to learn to love or feel again.

Elle a un cœur à décongeler, mais elle est très gentille au fond.

poetic

間違えやすい

décongeler vs décomposer

Sounds similar to a beginner.

Décomposer means to rot or break down. Décongeler means to thaw.

La viande décongèle (thaws), elle ne se décompose pas (rots) encore.

décongeler vs déconnecter

Both start with 'décon-'.

Déconnecter means to disconnect (electronics/internet).

Je déconnecte mon ordinateur, puis je décongèle mon plat.

décongeler vs déconner

Very similar starting sounds.

Déconner is slang for 'to act like a fool' or 'to joke around'.

Arrête de déconner et aide-moi à décongeler le poulet !

décongeler vs désengorger

Similar prefix and length.

Désengorger means to unclog or free up space.

Il faut désengorger le congélateur avant de décongeler la viande.

décongeler vs dégouliner

Both relate to liquids/ice.

Dégouliner means to drip or trickle down.

L'eau décongelée commence à dégouliner sur la table.

文型パターン

A1

Je dois décongeler [noun].

Je dois décongeler le poulet.

A2

Est-ce que tu as décongelé [noun] ?

Est-ce que tu as décongelé les crevettes ?

B1

Il vaut mieux décongeler [noun] au [place].

Il vaut mieux décongeler le gâteau au frigo.

B1

[Noun] est en train de se décongeler.

Le pain est en train de se décongeler.

B2

N'oubliez pas de décongeler [noun] avant de [verb].

N'oubliez pas de décongeler la pâte avant de l'étaler.

B2

Si j'avais su, j'aurais décongelé [noun] plus tôt.

Si j'avais su, j'aurais décongelé la dinde plus tôt.

C1

En décongelant [noun], faites attention à [noun].

En décongelant les fruits, faites attention à l'excès d'eau.

C2

Il est crucial que l'on décongèle [noun] avec [noun].

Il est crucial que l'on décongèle ces cellules avec soin.

語族

名詞

décongélation (thawing/defrosting)
congélateur (freezer)
congélation (freezing)
gel (frost/ice)
givre (frost on surfaces)

動詞

congeler (to freeze)
recongeler (to refreeze)
surgeler (to deep-freeze)
geler (to freeze naturally)
dégeler (to thaw naturally)

形容詞

décongelé (thawed)
congelé (frozen)
surgelé (deep-frozen)
gelé (frozen/icy)
glaçial (icy/freezing)

関連

frigo (fridge)
glacière (cooler)
banquise (ice floe)
froid (cold)
température (temperature)
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使い方

frequency

High in domestic and culinary contexts; medium in scientific/financial contexts.

よくある間違い
  • Using 'fondre' for meat. → Je décongèle la viande.

    Meat doesn't 'melt' into a liquid; it 'thaws'. Use 'fondre' only for things like ice, snow, or cheese.

  • Writing 'je décongele' without the accent. → Je décongèle.

    The 'e' must change to 'è' to maintain the correct open vowel sound before a silent syllable.

  • Using 'décongeler' for a frozen lake. → Le lac dégèle.

    Nature uses 'dégeler'. 'Décongeler' is for things humans have frozen in a freezer.

  • Pronouncing the final 'r'. → /de.kɔ̃.ʒə.le/

    The 'r' in -er infinitives is silent in French. It should sound like 'ay'.

  • Using 'décongeler' when they mean 'dégivrer'. → Je dégivre le congélateur.

    'Dégivrer' is to remove frost from the machine. 'Décongeler' is what you do to the food.

ヒント

The Accent Rule

Remember the grave accent (è) whenever the next syllable is a silent 'e'. This applies to 'je', 'tu', 'il', and 'ils' forms. It's a common trap for students.

Food Safety

In France, 'produit décongelé' is a legal term. If you see it in a bakery, it means the bread was frozen before being baked. It's good to know for quality control.

Silent 'R'

Like all regular -er verbs, the 'r' at the end of 'décongeler' is silent. The word ends in an 'ay' sound. Don't pronounce it like the English 'er'!

The Cold Chain

French people are very strict about the 'chaîne du froid'. If you are at a dinner party, don't leave things to 'décongeler' on the counter for too long, or your host might worry!

Micro-ondes

If you are using a French microwave, look for the snowflake icon or the word 'Décongélation' to thaw your food quickly.

Adjective Agreement

When using 'décongelé' as an adjective, it must agree with the noun: 'des crevettes décongelées' (feminine plural).

Faire décongeler

French speakers often use 'faire décongeler' (to make thaw) instead of just 'décongeler'. For example: 'Je vais faire décongeler le pain'.

The 'Undo' Prefix

The prefix 'dé-' is your best friend. It always means 'undo'. Congeler = Freeze. Décongeler = Un-freeze. Simple!

Reflexive Nuance

Using 'se décongeler' makes the food the subject. Use this when you are talking about the process happening rather than the person doing it.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'DE-CON-GEL-ER'. 'DE' means undo. 'CON' means with. 'GEL' means ice. So, 'Undo the ice'. It's like 'de-congealing' the food.

視覚的連想

Imagine a block of ice with a steak inside. Now imagine a warm sun (the 'dé-') shining on it until the ice disappears and only the steak remains.

Word Web

Froid Glace Cuisine Viande Micro-ondes Frigo Manger Sécurité

チャレンジ

Try to find three items in your freezer today and say out loud in French which one you would like to décongeler for dinner tonight.

語源

From the French prefix 'dé-' (expressing reversal) added to the verb 'congeler'. 'Congeler' comes from the Latin 'congelare', which means 'to cause to freeze together'. The Latin root is composed of 'com-' (together) and 'gelare' (to freeze).

元の意味： To reverse the state of being frozen together or solidified by cold.

Romance (Latin-derived).

文化的な背景

No specific sensitivities, but be aware of the importance of food safety when discussing this word in a professional kitchen.

In English, 'thaw' and 'defrost' are often used interchangeably. In French, 'décongeler' is the most common for food, while 'dégivrer' is for machines.

The movie 'Hibernatus' (1969) starring Louis de Funès, about a man from the past who is 'décongelé'. French food safety campaigns focusing on 'ne jamais recongeler'. Culinary manuals by Auguste Escoffier regarding the preservation of ingredients.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Cooking at home

  • Décongeler au frigo
  • C'est encore gelé
  • Combien de temps ?
  • Prêt à cuire

Restaurant kitchen

  • Sortir du congélateur
  • Préparation du service
  • Produit frais vs décongelé
  • Normes d'hygiène

Supermarket

  • Rayon surgelés
  • Date de péremption
  • Ne pas recongeler
  • Sac isotherme

Science Lab

  • Échantillon biologique
  • Azote liquide
  • Bain-marie
  • Viabilité cellulaire

Weather/Environment

  • Dégel des sols
  • Canalisation gelée
  • Température en hausse
  • Fonte des neiges

会話のきっかけ

"Est-ce que tu préfères décongeler la viande au micro-ondes ou naturellement ?"

"Qu'est-ce que tu as oublié de décongeler pour le dîner d'hier ?"

"Est-ce que tu penses que les produits décongelés perdent de leur goût ?"

"Comment est-ce qu'on décongèle du pain rapidement sans qu'il devienne dur ?"

"Sais-tu pourquoi il est dangereux de recongeler un produit déjà décongelé ?"

日記のテーマ

Décrivez une fois où vous avez oublié de décongeler le plat principal pour un dîner important.

Expliquez les étapes pour décongeler et préparer votre repas surgelé préféré.

Pensez-vous que la technologie de congélation a changé notre façon de manger ? Pourquoi ?

Écrivez une courte histoire sur un personnage qui est 'décongelé' après 100 ans de sommeil.

Comparez les avantages de décongeler lentement au réfrigérateur par rapport au micro-ondes.

よくある質問

10 問

No, you should use 'fondre' (to melt) or 'dégeler' (to thaw naturally) for snow. 'Décongeler' implies something was intentionally frozen, usually by a person or a machine.

The main difference is the cause. 'Décongeler' is used for items frozen by humans (like food in a freezer). 'Dégeler' is used for natural ice or frost, or metaphorically for relationships. For example, 'Je décongèle le steak' but 'Le lac dégèle'.

It is a stem-changing verb: je décongèle, tu décongèles, il décongèle, nous décongelons, vous décongelez, ils décongèlent. Notice the 'è' in most forms to keep the sound correct.

Yes, it is extremely common in daily life. You will hear it every time someone talks about preparing a meal that involves frozen ingredients.

It means 'do not refreeze'. This is a vital health warning found on all thawed food products in France to prevent bacterial growth and food poisoning.

Yes, but it's less common than 'dégeler'. You can use it to describe someone becoming more friendly or less stiff: 'Il commence à se décongeler'.

Yes, the noun is 'la décongélation'. You might see this on a microwave button or in technical instructions.

Usually, 'dégeler' is better for a pipe, but 'décongeler' is acceptable if you are using a tool like a hairdryer to do it intentionally.

You should use 'dégivrer la voiture'. 'Givre' means frost, and you are removing the frost from the windshield.

It takes 'avoir' in the active voice: 'J'ai décongelé'. If used reflexively, it takes 'être': 'La viande s'est décongelée'.

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自分をテスト 100 問

writing

Write a sentence in French using 'décongeler' in the present tense with 'nous'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解！ おしい！ 正解:
writing

Translate to French: 'I need to thaw the bread.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解！ おしい！ 正解:
writing

Write a negative command: 'Don't thaw the fish in hot water.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解！ おしい！ 正解:
writing

Describe the best way to thaw a turkey in French.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解！ おしい！ 正解:
speaking

Pronounce the word 'décongeler' correctly.

Read this aloud:

正解！ おしい！ 正解:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Je décongèle' vs 'Nous décongelons'. Which one has the 'è' sound?

正解！ おしい！ 正解:
正解！ おしい！ 正解:

/ 100 correct

Perfect score!

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