Translation and Meaning of: 解く - hodoku

The Japanese word 「解く」 (hodoku) is a verb that has multiple meanings, all related to the concept of undoing, solving, or releasing something. This term is commonly used when talking about solving problems or unraveling mysteries, but it can also be applied to more literal contexts, such as undoing knots or ties. The diversity in the meanings of 「解く」 reflects the depth and flexibility of the Japanese language.

The etymology of 「解く」 traces back to the kanji characters that compose it. The kanji 「解」 is made up of the radical 「角」, which means "horn" or "corner", and denotes the idea of separating or dividing. This character is associated with the idea of releasing or undoing something, leading to the interpretation of "to solve" or "to explain". This concept is widely used in various fields, from mathematics to personal relationships, always implying the idea of removing complexities or establishing understanding.

The variation 「ほどく」 (hodoku) incorporates a more colloquial and specific use in everyday Japanese. While 「解く」 can be used in broader and more abstract contexts, 「ほどく」 often refers to the physical act of untying or loosening something, such as ropes, ribbons, or knots. Nonetheless, both words share the common root of providing a solution or a release, whether physical or metaphorical.

The cultural origin of both verb forms highlights the importance of resolution and simplification in Japanese culture. Historically, these words can be seen as a reflection of the value placed on harmony and simplicity, key principles in Japanese philosophy and way of life. Understanding and using 「解く」 and 「ほどく」 in the correct context can provide a deeper insight into the language and the culture it represents.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 解く

• 解く - Shape of the base
• 解きます - Polite affirmative present
• 解いた - affirmative past
• 解かない - negative gift
• 解かれる - Potential

Synonyms and similar words

• ほどく (hodoku) - Untie, unfasten, release something that was tied up.
• とく (toku) - Untie, solve, release; it can be used in more abstract contexts such as solving problems.
• かいす (kaisu) - Undo, specifically referring to untying ties or something that is connected.
• とかす (tokasu) - Unlink, undo, often used in contexts of dissolving or softening something.
• ときほぐす (tokihogusu) - Undo, release, usually in a sense of relaxing something that was tense or tight.
• ときほどく (tokihodoku) - Unravel, release; involves liberating something that was stuck, similar to ほどく, but may emphasize the process of release.

解く

Romaji: hodoku
Kana: ほどく
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: to awaken

Meaning in English: to unfasten

Definition: Solve a problem.

Example Sentences - (解く) hodoku

See below some example sentences:

クイズを解くのが好きです。

Kuizu wo toku no ga suki desu

I enjoy solving quizzes.

I enjoy solving the test.

• クイズ - Quiz
• を - Direct object particle
• 解く - Resolve
• の - Possessive particle
• が - Subject particle
• 好き - Like
• です - Verb to be in the polite form

この問題を解くのは難しいです。

Kono mondai o toku no wa muzukashii desu

Solving this problem is difficult.

It is difficult to solve this problem.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 問題 - noun that means "problem" or "issue".
• を - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence.
• 解く - verb that means "to resolve" or "to solve".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• は - Particle that marks the topic of the sentence.
• 難しい - adjective that means "difficult" or "complicated".
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality in the Japanese language.

この謎を解くことができますか？

Kono nazo wo toku koto ga dekimasu ka?

Can you solve this mystery?

Can you solve this mystery?

• 英語 - 英語 (えいご)
• が - grammatical particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 話せます - 日本語で「話す」という動詞は、現在形で丁寧な形では「話します」となります。
• か - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates a question

このパズルは解けるかな？

Kono pazuru wa tokeru kana?

Will I be able to solve this puzzle?

Can this puzzle be solved?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• パズル - パズル
• は - topic particle that indicates that what follows is the subject of the sentence
• 解ける - verb that means "to be able to solve" or "can solve"
• かな - final particle that indicates uncertainty or doubt, which can be translated as "I wonder if"

方程式を解いてみた。

Hōteishiki wo toite mita

I solved the equation.

• 方程式 - "Equação" em japonês significa 方程式 (ほうていしき, hōteishiki).
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 解いて - verb form of the verb 解く (toku), which means "to solve"
• みた - verb form of the verb 見る (miru), which means "to try" or "to experience"