Translation and Meaning of: 溶く - toku

The Japanese word 溶く [とく] may seem simple, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. If you've ever wondered about its meaning, how to use it in daily life, or even its origin, this article will clarify those doubts. Here, we will explore everything from the precise translation to cultural contexts in which it appears, all based on reliable sources like dictionaries and linguistic studies. Suki Nihongo, your favorite Japanese dictionary, has gathered valuable information to help you master this verb practically.

Meaning and use of 溶く

溶く [とく] is a verb that means "to dissolve" or "to mix," especially when it comes to liquids or powdered substances. It is often used in cooking recipes, such as when dissolving sugar in water or mixing eggs to make an omelet. For example, 卵を溶く (tamago o toku) means "to beat the eggs."

Unlike other similar verbs, such as 溶かす (tokasu), which also means "to melt," 溶く has a more specific usage. While 溶かす can refer to melting ice or metals, 溶く is more related to the action of mixing something until it becomes homogeneous. This distinction is important for those who want to speak Japanese accurately.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 溶 consists of the radical 氵(related to water) and the component 容 (which suggests the idea of containing or capacity). Together, they convey the notion of something becoming liquid or being absorbed by a liquid. This combination effectively reflects the meaning of the verb, as it describes the action of dissolving or mixing.

It is worth noting that 溶く is a commonly used word in modern Japanese, but it is not among the most frequent. It primarily appears in culinary or chemical contexts, being less used in everyday conversations outside of those situations. Nevertheless, knowing its meaning is essential for anyone who wants to understand recipes or technical instructions in Japanese.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember the meaning of 溶く is to associate it with practical situations, such as cooking. Imagine yourself beating eggs or mixing coffee powder in water - these are typical actions described by this verb. Creating flashcards with images of these scenes can help reinforce the vocabulary.

Another tip is to pay attention when the word appears in animes or dramas involving cooking, like "Shokugeki no Soma." Often, characters use 溶く in food preparation scenes. This type of natural exposure to the language reinforces learning and shows the verb in real context.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 溶く

• 溶く - dictionary form
• 溶かす - causative form
• 溶ける - passive form

Synonyms and similar words

• 溶かす (tokasu) - Melt, dissolve (usually applied to solid substances)
• 解かす (tokasu) - Undo, solve (usually applied to problems or plots)
• 解ける (tokeru) - To be dissolved, to be undone (passive of 解く)
• 溶ける (tokeru) - Melt, dissolve (the passive of 溶かす)
• 解く ( toku ) - Solve, unravel (applied to problems, mysteries)
• 溶く (toku) - Mix, dilute (generally applied to liquids)
• 溶け込む (tokekomu) - Mix well, if integrated (intensely mixed)
• 溶け出す (tokedasu) - Start to melt, to dissolve (beginning of the dissolution process)
• 溶け合う (tokeau) - Mixing, combining (two or more substances merging)
• 解け合わせる (tokewaseru) - Solve together, connection of solutions (working on a problem as a team)

溶く

Romaji: toku
Kana: とく
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: to dissolve (ink)

Meaning in English: to dissolve (paint)

Definition: To mix and integrate liquids and powders.