Translation and Meaning of: 溶かす - tokasu

The Japanese word 溶かす [とかす] is a verb that carries practical and everyday meanings, but also reveals interesting aspects of the Japanese language and culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, usage in common phrases, and how it relates to everyday situations. Whether you are learning Japanese or just curious about this expression, understanding 溶かす can be more useful than you might think.

In addition to uncovering the literal translation, we will analyze how this verb appears in real contexts, from culinary recipes to industrial processes. We will also see tips for memorizing its kanji and correct pronunciation, always based on reliable sources. Get ready to discover why 溶かす is such a prevalent word in Japanese vocabulary.

Meaning and usage of 溶かす

溶かす means "to melt," "to dissolve," or "to liquefy" something solid. It is used when a material transitions from solid to liquid, either by heating or by the action of a solvent. In the kitchen, for example, it is common to hear チョコレートを溶かす (to melt chocolate) or バターを溶かす (to melt butter).

The verb also appears in industrial and scientific contexts, such as in 金属を溶かす (melting metal) or 氷を溶かす (melting ice). Interestingly, according to the National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics, 溶かす is more commonly used for physical melting processes, while 解かす (also read as とかす) can have more abstract connotations, such as "untangling knots."

The kanji 溶かす and its structure

The character 溶 is composed of the radical 氵 (three drops of water), which indicates a relation to liquids, and 容 (yō), which contributes to the sound and part of the meaning. According to the Kangorin dictionary, this combination originally suggests "to transform into liquid" or "to make something capable of holding liquid".

To memorize this kanji, an effective strategy is to associate the water radical (氵) with the idea of liquefaction. Students often remember that 溶 appears in other useful words like 溶液 (liquid solution) and 溶解 (dissolution). The writing follows the traditional order: first the radical on the left, then the right component.

Melting in Japanese culture and daily life

In traditional cuisine, 溶かす plays an important role in techniques such as making dashi (Japanese broth), where dried kombu is gently heated to extract flavors. It also appears in wagashi sweets, where agar-agar is dissolved to create gelatinous textures. These uses show how the verb is rooted in cultural practices.

Outside the kitchen, 溶かす appears in expressions like 心を溶かす (to melt the heart), showing how Japanese borrows concrete vocabulary to describe emotions. In animes and dramas, it is common to see the verb in laboratory or cooking scenes, reinforcing its practical nature. According to the Japanese culture agency, it is one of the 3,000 most used words in newspapers and magazines.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 溶かす

• 溶かします - polite form
• 溶かしますか - Polite, interrogative
• 溶かしました - past form
• 溶かしません - negative form
• 溶かしたい - Form of desire
• 溶かせる - potential form
• 溶かれる - passive form
• 溶かそう - Volitive form

Synonyms and similar words

• 溶解する (Yōkai suru) - Dissolve, completely dissolve.
• 解ける (Tokeru) - Get rid of, let go, usually in reference to something that was stuck.
• 溶ける (Tokeru) - Melt, when turning into liquid.
• 溶け込む (Tokekomu) - Integrate, blend in completely.
• 溶かす (Tokasu) - Melt, dissolve something in a liquid.
• 解く (Toku) - Resolve, undo, similar to 解ける, but more active.
• 解け出す (Tokedasu) - Start to let go or release yourself.
• 解けるようにする (Tokeru yō ni suru) - Make something dissolve or come loose.
• 溶かし込む (Tokashikomu) - Completely dissolve in a substance.
• 溶かし入れる (Tokashi ireru) - Add a liquid in which something will be dissolved.
• 溶かし出す (Tokashi dasu) - Start to dissolve or melt something.
• 溶かし上げる (Tokashi ageru) - Complete the dissolution process, leave it at the ideal point.
• 溶け合う (Tokeau) - Interweave, blend in a harmonious way.
• 溶けさせる (Tokesaseru) - To make something melt or dissolve due to external action.
• 溶け合わせる (Tokeawaseru) - Combine two or more elements in a homogeneous manner.
• 溶け落ちる (Tokeochiru) - Descend or fall while melting.
• 溶け込み (Tokekomi) - The act of integrating or completely mixing in.
• 溶かし (Tokashi) - Substance that was dissolved or process of dissolution.
• 溶かし合う (Tokashi au) - Dissolve and mix together, reciprocal.
• 溶け合わす (Tokeawasu) - Act to blend or merge elements.
• 溶け合わせ (Tokeawase) - Process of combining elements in dissolution.

溶かす

Romaji: tokasu
Kana: とかす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Derret; dissolve

Meaning in English: to melt;to dissolve

Definition: Turn a solid into a liquid.

Example Sentences - (溶かす) tokasu

See below some example sentences:

砂糖を溶かすと甘くなります。

Satou wo tokasu to amaku narimasu

When you dissolve sugar

Dissolve the sugar to make it sweet.

• 砂糖 (satou) - sugar
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 溶かす (tokasu) - dissolve
• と (to) - particle indicating the consequence of the previous action
• 甘く (amaku) - gently
• なります (narimasu) - becomes

砂糖をお湯に溶かしてください。

Satou wo oyuni tokashite kudasai

Please dissolve sugar in hot water.

Melt the sugar in hot water.

• 砂糖 (sato) - sugar
• を (wo) - object particle
• お湯 (oyu) - hot water
• に (ni) - target particle
• 溶かして (tokashite) - dissolve
• ください (kudasai) - Please