Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 溶ける (tokeru). This word means something turns from hard to soft, like ice melting. You can say 'ice melts' using this word. It's like when your yummy popsicle melts in the sun! You can also use it when something disappears in water, like sugar. So, 溶ける means to melt or dissolve. It's a simple word for a simple change!
The verb 溶ける (tokeru) is used when a solid changes into a liquid. This usually happens because of heat. For example, 雪が溶ける (yuki ga tokeru) means 'snow melts'. We also use 溶ける when something dissolves in a liquid. For instance, 砂糖が溶ける (satō ga tokeru) means 'sugar dissolves'. It’s a common word you’ll hear when talking about weather, cooking, and everyday changes.
溶ける (tokeru) is a versatile Japanese verb meaning 'to melt' or 'to dissolve'. It describes the physical process of a solid changing into a liquid, often due to temperature changes. Common collocations include 氷が溶ける (kōri ga tokeru - ice melts) and チョコレートが溶ける (chokorēto ga tokeru - chocolate melts). It's also used when a substance dissolves in another, such as 塩が溶ける (shio ga tokeru - salt dissolves). Beyond the literal, it can figuratively describe emotions softening, like 'one's heart melts'.
The verb 溶ける (tokeru) covers both literal melting and dissolving. Literally, it applies to substances like ice, snow, butter, or chocolate under heat. For example, バターがフライパンで溶けた (batā ga furai pan de toketa) - 'The butter melted in the frying pan.' In terms of dissolving, it's used for substances mixing into a liquid until they disappear, like 錠剤が水に溶ける (jōzai ga mizu ni tokeru) - 'The tablet dissolves in water.' Figuratively, 心が溶ける (kokoro ga tokeru) implies emotional softening or being deeply touched.
溶ける (tokeru) denotes a phase transition from solid to liquid, driven by thermal energy, or the process of solvation where a solute disperses uniformly into a solvent. Its application extends beyond the physical sciences. In psychological contexts, it can signify the erosion of emotional barriers or resistance, as in 彼の頑なな態度は徐々に溶けていった (kare no katakuna na taido wa jojoni tokete itta) - 'His stubborn attitude gradually melted away.' This figurative usage highlights a loss of rigidity or a yielding to external influence, be it warmth, persuasion, or emotional connection.
The semantic range of 溶ける (tokeru) encompasses physical melting, dissolution, and metaphorical liquefaction of abstract concepts like emotions, resolve, or even social structures. Etymologically linked to water and dissolution, its core meaning revolves around a loss of form and integrity, transitioning into a more fluid state. In advanced contexts, it can imply a breakdown of boundaries, a surrender to influence, or the subtle dissipation of resistance. Consider its use in describing the gradual assimilation of foreign cultural elements into a host society, where distinct forms 'melt' into a new synthesis, or the psychological phenomenon of ego dissolution. The nuances lie in the agent of change – heat, solvent, emotional appeal, or societal pressure – and the resulting state of fluidity.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes the change from solid to liquid (melting).
- Also used for substances mixing into liquids (dissolving).
- Commonly used for ice, snow, chocolate, sugar, etc.
- Can be used figuratively for emotions softening ('heart melts').
Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful word '溶ける' (tokeru). It's a super useful verb that describes things changing from one state to another, usually from solid to liquid. Think about your favorite ice cream on a hot summer day – it definitely 溶ける! But it's not just about ice cream; it's also used when things dissolve, like when you stir sugar into your tea and it 溶ける away, disappearing into the liquid.
The core idea behind 溶ける is a transformation. It's about something losing its original form and blending into something else, or simply becoming a liquid. We use it in everyday life all the time, from talking about cooking and weather to even describing how feelings can change. So, whether it's ice turning into water, chocolate melting in your hand, or even a difficult situation becoming easier, 溶ける is the word to describe that change!
The Japanese word 溶ける (tokeru) has roots that go back a long way in the history of the language. Its kanji character 溶 itself is quite evocative. It's believed to have originated from ancient Chinese characters that depicted water (氵) combined with a component suggesting melting or dissolving. This makes perfect sense, right? Water is often involved when things melt or dissolve!
Over centuries, the word evolved to encompass both the physical process of melting (like snow) and the chemical process of dissolving (like salt in water). It's fascinating how a single word can capture these related but distinct transformations. In older Japanese texts, you might find variations or related terms, but 溶ける became the standard and most common way to express this concept. It’s a testament to the efficiency and expressiveness of the Japanese language that such a fundamental process can be described so concisely.
So, when do we use 溶ける? Pretty much anytime something solid turns into a liquid! The most common use is for things melting due to heat. For example, 雪が溶ける (yuki ga tokeru) means 'the snow melts,' and 氷が溶ける (kōri ga tokeru) means 'the ice melts.' You'll also hear it for food, like チョコレートが溶ける (chokorēto ga tokeru) – 'the chocolate melts.'
But remember, 溶ける isn't just for heat! It's also used for dissolving. Think about making a drink: 砂糖が溶ける (satō ga tokeru) means 'the sugar dissolves.' You can even use it figuratively! For instance, someone's heart might 溶ける (tokeru) when they see something cute, meaning their heart softens or melts with emotion. It's a versatile word, and knowing its different uses will make your Japanese sound much more natural!
While 溶ける (tokeru) is pretty straightforward, it pops up in some interesting expressions! Here are a few:
- 心が溶ける (kokoro ga tokeru): This literally means 'heart melts.' It's used when someone is deeply moved, touched, or softened by kindness, cuteness, or a sad story. It's like your emotional barriers just melt away. Example: 赤ちゃんの笑顔を見て、彼女の心は溶けた。(Akachan no egao o mite, kanojo no kokoro wa toketa.) - Seeing the baby's smile, her heart melted.
- 顔が溶ける (kao ga tokeru): This is a more humorous or exaggerated expression, often used when someone is smiling so widely or for so long that their face feels like it's melting, or when they are extremely embarrassed and feel like they're disappearing. Example: あまりの暑さに顔が溶けそうだった。(Amari no atsusa ni kao ga toke-sō datta.) - I felt like my face was melting from the extreme heat.
- 緊張が溶ける (kinchō ga tokeru): This means 'tension melts away.' It describes a situation where nervousness or stress dissipates, often after a difficult task is completed or a relaxed atmosphere is established. Example: 会話が進むにつれて、彼の緊張が溶けていった。(Kaiwa ga susumu ni tsurete, kare no kinchō ga tokete itta.) - As the conversation progressed, his tension melted away.
溶ける (tokeru) is a Group 2 verb (ichidan) in Japanese, which makes its conjugation pretty straightforward! The dictionary form is 溶ける (tokeru). Its masu-form is 溶けます (tokemasu), and the past tense is 溶けた (toketa). The te-form, used for various grammatical structures, is 溶けて (tokete).
Pronunciation-wise, it's pronounced 'toh-keh-roo'. The 'o' sounds are like the 'o' in 'go', and the 'e' is like the 'e' in 'get'. The 'u' is a short 'oo' sound, like in 'book'.
IPA Pronunciation:
British English: /təʊˈkeɪruː/
American English: /toʊˈkeɪruː/
Rhyming words: While direct rhymes in English are rare for a Japanese word, words ending in '-eru' in Japanese often have a similar rhythm. In English, think of words with a similar syllable count and ending sound, though they won't be perfect rhymes.
Fun Fact
The character 溶 is also used in the word for 'solution' in chemistry (溶液 - yōeki), highlighting its core meaning of dissolving.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a 'toh' sound like 'toe', followed by a 'keh' sound like 'keh-tastrophe', and ends with 'roo' like 'kangaroo'.
Similar to UK, with a slightly more open 'oh' sound at the start, then 'kay' sound, and 'roo'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'e' sound too long.
- Adding an extra syllable.
- Incorrect stress pattern, putting emphasis on the wrong syllable.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Kanji can be challenging, but the verb itself is common.
Conjugations are regular, but figurative use requires practice.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but choosing the right context is key.
Common word, easily recognizable in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
溶ける (intransitive) vs. 溶かす (transitive)
Verb Conjugation (Group 2/Ichidan)
tokeru -> tokemasu -> toketa -> tokete
Using Te-form
溶けている (is melting), 溶けてしまう (melted completely)
Examples by Level
Ice melts.
Ice / melts.
Subject + verb.
The snow melts.
The snow / melts.
Singular subject + verb.
Sugar melts in tea.
Sugar / melts / in / tea.
Subject + verb + prepositional phrase.
The chocolate melts.
The chocolate / melts.
Common noun + verb.
It melts.
It / melts.
Pronoun + verb.
The butter melts.
The butter / melts.
Uncountable noun + verb.
Can it melt?
Can / it / melt?
Modal verb + pronoun + verb.
It will melt.
It / will / melt.
Pronoun + future auxiliary + verb.
The ice cream melts quickly in the sun.
The ice cream / melts / quickly / in the sun.
Adverb modifying verb.
When it gets hot, the snow starts to melt.
When / it gets hot, / the snow / starts to melt.
Subordinate clause + main clause.
Please put the butter in the fridge so it doesn't melt.
Please / put / the butter / in the fridge / so / it doesn't melt.
Imperative + purpose clause.
This powder dissolves in water.
This powder / dissolves / in water.
Using 'dissolves' as a synonym.
The chocolate bar began to melt in my hand.
The chocolate bar / began to melt / in my hand.
Verb + infinitive.
Will the ice melt before the party starts?
Will / the ice / melt / before / the party starts?
Future tense question.
He watched the candle wax melt.
He / watched / the candle wax / melt.
Verb of perception + object + bare infinitive.
The solid salt will melt at a high temperature.
The solid salt / will melt / at a high temperature.
Subject + future tense + prepositional phrase indicating condition.
The intense heat caused the glaciers to melt at an alarming rate.
The intense heat / caused / the glaciers / to melt / at an alarming rate.
Causative structure (cause someone/something to do something).
Don't leave the chocolate out of the fridge for too long, or it will melt.
Don't leave / the chocolate / out of the fridge / for too long, / or / it will melt.
Negative imperative + conditional consequence.
Sugar dissolves completely in hot water, making it ideal for syrups.
Sugar / dissolves / completely / in hot water, / making it ideal for syrups.
Adverb of manner + participial phrase.
After the difficult exam, all the students' tension seemed to melt away.
After the difficult exam, / all the students' tension / seemed to melt away.
Figurative use of 'melt away'.
The chef explained how the butter would melt evenly in the sauce.
The chef / explained / how / the butter / would melt / evenly / in the sauce.
Reported speech structure.
Witnessing their reunion, his heart melted.
Witnessing their reunion, / his heart / melted.
Absolute phrase + figurative meaning.
The medication is designed to dissolve slowly in the stomach.
The medication / is designed / to dissolve / slowly / in the stomach.
Passive voice + infinitive of purpose.
As the ice sculptures warmed up, they began to melt and lose their shape.
As / the ice sculptures / warmed up, / they began to melt / and lose their shape.
Temporal clause + sequence of actions.
The rapid warming trend is causing polar ice caps to melt at an unprecedented rate.
The rapid warming trend / is causing / polar ice caps / to melt / at an unprecedented rate.
Complex subject + causative verb + adverbial phrase of rate.
He found his resolve melting away as he faced the daunting challenge.
He found / his resolve / melting away / as he faced / the daunting challenge.
Figurative use: 'resolve melting away'.
The effervescent tablet needs to dissolve completely before consumption.
The effervescent tablet / needs to dissolve / completely / before consumption.
Modal verb 'need' + infinitive; adverb of manner.
Her stern demeanor began to melt when she heard the good news.
Her stern demeanor / began to melt / when she heard / the good news.
Figurative use: 'demeanor melting'.
In the desert heat, even hardened materials can start to melt.
In the desert heat, / even hardened materials / can start to melt.
Modal verb 'can' + verb + infinitive.
The diplomat worked to ensure that the tensions between the nations would melt.
The diplomat / worked to ensure / that / the tensions between the nations / would melt.
Figurative use: 'tensions melting'.
When heated, the alloy will melt and fuse with the surrounding metal.
When heated, / the alloy / will melt / and fuse / with the surrounding metal.
Conditional clause (implied 'if') + compound predicate.
He felt his cynicism melt away as he experienced the community's warmth.
He felt / his cynicism / melt away / as he experienced / the community's warmth.
Figurative use: 'cynicism melting away'.
The prolonged exposure to high temperatures caused the experimental polymer to melt prematurely.
The prolonged exposure / to high temperatures / caused / the experimental polymer / to melt / prematurely.
Complex subject with prepositional phrases; causative structure.
As the negotiation progressed, the initial hostility began to melt, replaced by a cautious understanding.
As the negotiation progressed, / the initial hostility / began to melt, / replaced by / a cautious understanding.
Figurative use of 'melt'; past participle phrase.
The enzyme facilitates the dissolution of complex proteins within the cellular environment.
The enzyme / facilitates / the dissolution / of complex proteins / within the cellular environment.
Using 'dissolution' as a noun form, more formal than 'dissolve'.
His carefully constructed composure started to melt under her persistent questioning.
His carefully constructed composure / started to melt / under her persistent questioning.
Figurative use; adverb modifying adjective.
The sheer absurdity of the situation made his skepticism melt into laughter.
The sheer absurdity / of the situation / made / his skepticism / melt / into laughter.
Causative structure; figurative transformation.
Under the relentless sun, the asphalt on the roads would soften and threaten to melt.
Under the relentless sun, / the asphalt on the roads / would soften / and threaten to melt.
Conditional/habitual past ('would'); figurative threat.
The artist's goal was to capture the ephemeral moment when dawn's light causes the frost to melt.
The artist's goal / was to capture / the ephemeral moment / when dawn's light / causes the frost / to melt.
Infinitive of purpose; causative structure.
Years of ingrained prejudice can be difficult to melt, requiring sustained effort and dialogue.
Years of ingrained prejudice / can be difficult / to melt, / requiring sustained effort and dialogue.
Figurative use; gerund phrase indicating requirement.
The socio-political climate underwent a transformation, causing long-held dogmas to melt into more pragmatic discourse.
The socio-political climate / underwent a transformation, / causing / long-held dogmas / to melt / into more pragmatic discourse.
Figurative use in abstract, academic context; nominalization.
Quantum tunneling allows particles to effectively 'melt' through energy barriers that classical physics deems insurmountable.
Quantum tunneling / allows particles / to effectively 'melt' / through energy barriers / that classical physics / deems insurmountable.
Technical analogy; passive voice in defining clause.
The cultural hegemony began to erode, allowing previously suppressed narratives to melt into the mainstream consciousness.
The cultural hegemony / began to erode, / allowing / previously suppressed narratives / to melt / into the mainstream consciousness.
Figurative use in critical theory; participial phrase.
His stoic facade, cultivated over decades, finally began to melt under the weight of profound grief.
His stoic facade, / cultivated over decades, / finally began to melt / under the weight / of profound grief.
Appositive phrase; figurative use in psychological context.
The alchemical texts describe processes where base metals were believed to 'melt' into gold through esoteric transformations.
The alchemical texts / describe processes / where base metals / were believed to 'melt' / into gold / through esoteric transformations.
Historical/esoteric context; passive voice.
In moments of existential crisis, the self can feel as though its boundaries melt, leading to a dissolution of identity.
In moments of existential crisis, / the self / can feel / as though its boundaries / melt, / leading to / a dissolution of identity.
Figurative use in philosophy/psychology; gerund phrase.
The artist employed techniques that allowed the pigments to bleed and melt into one another, creating a seamless gradient.
The artist / employed techniques / that allowed / the pigments / to bleed and melt / into one another, / creating a seamless gradient.
Relative clause; participial phrase describing result.
The economic integration led to the gradual melting of national economic barriers, fostering a more unified market.
The economic integration / led to / the gradual melting / of national economic barriers, / fostering a more unified market.
Nominalization ('melting'); participial phrase indicating consequence.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"heart melts"
To feel very touched, happy, or sympathetic.
Seeing the lost puppy made my heart melt.
casual"tension melts away"
To feel relaxed and no longer stressed or anxious.
Once the exam was over, all the tension melted away.
neutral"melt into tears"
To suddenly start crying.
After hearing the sad news, she melted into tears.
neutral"melt into the background"
To become unnoticeable or blend in so well that you are ignored.
He was so shy he tended to melt into the background at parties.
neutral"melt someone's heart"
To make someone feel very happy, sympathetic, or loving.
The child's innocent question melted his heart.
neutral"melt down"
To be melted, especially metals or plastics, often for recycling.
The old electronics will be sent to a facility to be melted down.
neutralEasily Confused
Same pronunciation (tokeru) and similar concept of 'coming undone'.
Uses the kanji 解. Means 'to loosen', 'to untie', 'to solve (a problem/mystery)'. Does not relate to physical melting or dissolving.
靴紐が解けた (Kutsuhimo ga toketa) - The shoelaces came untied. この問題は解けない (Kono mondai wa tokenai) - This problem cannot be solved.
Means 'to melt', similar to 溶ける.
Less common in everyday speech. Often used in more technical or scientific contexts, particularly for metals or ice. 溶ける is the default, general term.
金属が融ける (kinzoku ga yūkeru) - Metal melts (more technical). 雪が溶ける (yuki ga tokeru) - Snow melts (common).
It's the conceptual opposite of melting.
Means 'to harden', 'to solidify', 'to become firm'. It's the process of becoming solid, whereas 溶ける is becoming liquid.
セメントが固まった (Semento ga katamatta) - The cement hardened. チョコレートが溶けた (Chokorēto ga toketa) - The chocolate melted.
It's the direct opposite of melting for water-based substances.
Means 'to freeze'. It's the process of turning from liquid to solid, the reverse of melting.
水が凍って氷になった (Mizu ga kōtte kōri ni natta) - The water froze and became ice. 氷が溶けた (Kōri ga toketa) - The ice melted.
Sentence Patterns
Noun + が/は + 溶ける
氷が溶ける。(Kōri ga tokeru.) - The ice melts.
Noun + を + 溶かす
熱が氷を溶かす。(Netsu ga kōri o tokasu.) - Heat melts the ice.
Noun + が/は + Verb te-form + いる
チョコレートが溶けている。(Chokorēto ga tokete iru.) - The chocolate is melting.
Noun + が/は + Verb te-form + しまう
バターが溶けてしまった。(Batā ga tokete shimatta.) - The butter has melted (unfortunately).
Figurative Noun + が/は + 溶ける
彼の心は溶けた。(Kare no kokoro wa toketa.) - His heart melted.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
'Melt' is solid to liquid. 'Freeze' is liquid to solid. They are opposites.
While English often separates 'melt' (physical change) and 'dissolve' (mixing into liquid), 溶ける covers both in Japanese.
'Melting' is the present participle (verb form). 'Meltingly' is an adverb and doesn't fit here.
Melting is solid to liquid. Evaporation is liquid to gas.
'Melt' usually implies softening or becoming more receptive, not the opposite.
Tips
Visualize the Change
Always picture the physical change happening: solid becoming liquid. Imagine ice turning into water, or a chocolate bar softening in your hand. This visual helps lock the meaning in.
Emotions Melt Too!
Don't forget the figurative use! When someone's 'heart melts', it's a powerful image of emotional softening. Think of cute babies, acts of kindness, or touching stories.
Intransitive vs. Transitive
溶ける (tokeru) is intransitive (it happens by itself). The transitive form is 溶かす (tokasu) (you melt something). Example: 氷が溶ける (Ice melts) vs. 熱が氷を溶かす (Heat melts ice).
Say It Clearly
Practice the 'toh-keh-roo' sound. Ensure the 'o' and 'e' vowels are distinct and the final 'roo' is clear. Avoid rushing.
Avoid 'Meltingly'!
Remember, 'melting' is the verb form. 'Meltingly' is an adverb and rarely used correctly. Stick to 'melting' or 'melts'.
The Kanji Clue
Look at the kanji 溶. The water radical (氵) on the left is a huge hint! It's almost always related to water, melting, or dissolving.
Create Your Own Sentences
Write sentences using 溶ける in different contexts: weather, food, and emotions. The more you use it, the more natural it becomes.
Watch Out for 解ける!
The verb 解ける (tokeru) sounds the same but means 'to loosen' or 'to solve'. Remember the kanji difference: 溶 = water/melt, 解 = unlock/solve.
Build Your 'Melting' Vocabulary
Learn related words like 融解 (yūkai - scientific melting), 溶解 (yōkai - dissolving), and 溶け込む (tokekomu - blend in) to expand your understanding.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'O' shape (like zero) that is melting away, like ice. 'O-keru' sounds a bit like 'Oh, it's melting!'
Visual Association
Picture an ice cube on a hot sidewalk, dripping and shrinking. Or a sugar cube vanishing in a cup of tea.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing three things you saw today that melted or dissolved.
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)
Original meaning: The character 溶 combines the radical for water (氵) with a phonetic component suggesting melting or flowing.
Cultural Context
Generally none, unless used metaphorically in a way that trivializes serious emotional distress.
The concept of melting and dissolving is universal, appearing in weather descriptions, cooking, science, and metaphorical language about emotions and social situations.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Weather & Seasons
- 雪が溶ける (yuki ga tokeru) - Snow melts
- 氷が溶ける (kōri ga tokeru) - Ice melts
- 春になって、雪が溶け始めた。(Haru ni natte, yuki ga tokehajimeta.) - Spring came, and the snow started to melt.
Cooking & Food
- チョコレートが溶ける (chokorēto ga tokeru) - Chocolate melts
- 砂糖が溶ける (satō ga tokeru) - Sugar dissolves
- バターを溶かす (batā o tokasu) - To melt butter
Emotions & Feelings
- 心が溶ける (kokoro ga tokeru) - Heart melts
- 彼の優しさに心が溶けた。(Kare no yasashisa ni kokoro ga toketa.) - My heart melted at his kindness.
- 緊張が溶ける (kinchō ga tokeru) - Tension melts away
Science & Materials
- 金属が溶ける (kinzoku ga tokeru) - Metal melts
- プラスチックが溶ける (purasuchikku ga tokeru) - Plastic melts
- 塩が水に溶ける (shio ga mizu ni tokeru) - Salt dissolves in water
Conversation Starters
"What's your favorite food that melts, like ice cream or cheese?"
"Have you ever seen snow melt really fast? What was it like?"
"Can you think of a time when your heart 'melted' because of something cute or kind?"
"If you could melt away any problem, what would it be?"
"What happens when you put sugar in hot tea? Does it melt?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time when a difficult situation 'melted' away. What happened?
Write about your favorite ice cream or chocolate. What happens when it melts?
Think about a song or a movie scene that made your 'heart melt'. What was it about?
Imagine you are a piece of ice on a sunny day. Describe the experience of melting.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsBoth mean 'to melt', but 溶ける is much more common in everyday language for general melting and dissolving. 融ける is often used in more scientific or technical contexts, especially for metals or ice.
Yes! Phrases like '心が溶ける' (kokoro ga tokeru - heart melts) are common and mean to feel touched, sympathetic, or happy.
Absolutely. It's used for both physical melting (like ice) and dissolving (like salt or sugar in a liquid).
The opposite is usually 'freeze' (凍る - kōru) when talking about water, or 'solidify' (固まる - katamaru) when talking about liquids becoming solid.
You use the transitive verb 溶かす (tokasu). For example, '熱がバターを溶かした' (Netsu ga batā o tokashita - Heat melted the butter).
Yes, besides 溶ける, you might encounter 融ける (yūkeru) for specific scientific contexts, and compound verbs like 溶け込む (tokekomu - to blend in).
Focus on the kanji! 溶 has the water radical (氵), clearly indicating melting or dissolving. 解 is about loosening or solving. Think of 'water' for 溶.
In English, 'melt down' often refers to melting metals or plastics, especially for recycling. It can also be used figuratively, like 'The politician had to melt down under pressure.'
Test Yourself
The ___ melts in the sun.
Ice is a solid that turns into liquid when it gets warm.
What does '溶ける' mean?
'溶ける' describes the change from solid to liquid or dissolving in a liquid.
You can use '溶ける' to describe sugar disappearing in water.
Yes, '溶ける' is used for dissolving, like sugar in water.
Word
Meaning
Ice and chocolate melt. Sugar dissolves in liquid.
The correct sentence is 'The ice cream melts quickly.'
The warm weather caused the snow to ______.
Snow turns into water when it gets warm, so it melts.
Which phrase best describes '心が溶ける'?
'心が溶ける' is a figurative expression for feeling touched or softened emotionally.
The verb '溶かす' (tokasu) is the intransitive form of '溶ける' (tokeru).
'溶かす' is the transitive form (to melt something), while '溶ける' is the intransitive form (to melt by itself).
The extreme heat caused the metal structure to ______.
Metals melt when exposed to very high temperatures.
Figuratively, deep-seated prejudice can sometimes ______ away with consistent effort and education.
This uses 'melt away' figuratively to mean gradually disappear or diminish.
Score: /10
Summary
溶ける is a fundamental verb for describing transformations, from physical melting and dissolving to the softening of emotions.
- Describes the change from solid to liquid (melting).
- Also used for substances mixing into liquids (dissolving).
- Commonly used for ice, snow, chocolate, sugar, etc.
- Can be used figuratively for emotions softening ('heart melts').
Visualize the Change
Always picture the physical change happening: solid becoming liquid. Imagine ice turning into water, or a chocolate bar softening in your hand. This visual helps lock the meaning in.
Context is Key
Remember that 溶ける covers both melting and dissolving. Pay attention to the surrounding words (like 'ice', 'sugar', 'water') to know which meaning is intended.
Emotions Melt Too!
Don't forget the figurative use! When someone's 'heart melts', it's a powerful image of emotional softening. Think of cute babies, acts of kindness, or touching stories.
Intransitive vs. Transitive
溶ける (tokeru) is intransitive (it happens by itself). The transitive form is 溶かす (tokasu) (you melt something). Example: 氷が溶ける (Ice melts) vs. 熱が氷を溶かす (Heat melts ice).
Example
雪がだんだん溶けてきた。
Related Content
More weather words
大雪
A2Heavy snow; a large amount of snow falling.
雷雨
A2Thunderstorm; a storm with thunder and lightning.
そうだ
A2It looks like; it seems that (based on observation).
不快な
B1Uncomfortable; unpleasant (na-adjective).
気持ちいい
A2Pleasant; comfortable (e.g., weather).
夕焼け
A2Sunset glow; the red sky at sunset.
大雨
A2Heavy rain; a large amount of rain falling.
積もる
A2To pile up (e.g., snow).
次第
B1Depending on; as soon as.
穏やかな
B1Calm; mild (na-adjective).
