Translation and Meaning of: 溶く - toku

Etymology of the word 「溶く」

The Japanese word 「溶く」 (toku) has a meaning that is closely related to the concept of mixing and dissolving. From an etymological point of view, 「溶く」 is composed of the Kanji 「溶」, which by itself refers to ideas of melting, dissolving, and liquefying. The radical of the Kanji 「氵」 (sanzui), which symbolizes water, reinforces this association, indicating processes that involve liquids or something similar.

The verb 「溶く」 is widely used in daily life to describe actions of mixing substances, such as emulsifying ingredients in cooking or dissolving solids in liquids. The word is derived from the root of the verb, and its ancient meaning remains practically intact to this day. It exemplifies how the Japanese language, through the use of Kanjis and radicals, can express complex ideas concisely.

Definition and Use of 「溶く」

In practice, 「溶く」 is used to describe the action of mixing something homogeneously, such as when soy sauce is mixed with starch to prepare a broth or paint is diluted. The verb aligns with other terms related to mixing and dissolving, reflecting a variety of specific uses in areas such as arts, cooking, and sciences.

• In cooking, 「溶く」 is a common term when talking about beating eggs to make omelets or mixing liquid ingredients.
• In artistic contexts, it is used to describe the mixing of paints or pigments to achieve homogeneous colors.
• In chemistry, it refers to the process of dissolving substances in solutions.

The versatility of the word allows it to be applied in many aspects of culture and daily practices, creating a tacit understanding among native speakers about its use and meaning, making it an interesting example of how language can be practical and functional.

Origin and Cultural Impact

Historically, the practice of 「溶く」 can be linked to ancient techniques of food preparation and artistic creation, both valuable arts in traditional Japanese culture. The verb captures the spirit of precision and efficiency, fundamental in both kitchens and workshops throughout history. This reflects the importance of careful and precise methods in the execution of daily tasks in Japanese culture.

From a broader cultural perspective, the act of 「溶く」 symbolizes an ideal of harmony and balance — something often exalted in the culinary and artistic practices of Japan. This symbolism permeates not only the use of the term itself but also its representation in many aspects of the daily life and work of the Japanese.

Vocabulary

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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.