Japanese word

とろける

Pronunciation

Romajitorokeru

Meaning

  • verbmelt

Example

チーズが口の中でとろけます。chī zu ga kuchi no naka de to ro ke ma su

The cheese melts in your mouth.

Illustration for とろける (melt)

More examples

チョコレートを温めると、なめらかにとろけます。cho ko rē to o atata me ru to na me ra ka ni to ro ke ma su

When heated, the chocolate melts smoothly.

Core concept

とろける (torokeru) describes a solid becoming soft and nearly liquid, often with a smooth texture.

Common phrases

  • 口の中でとろけるkuchi no naka de to ro ke ru

    melt in the mouth

Similar words

溶けるtokeru: To change from a solid into a soft, nearly liquid state with heat.

Definition in Japanese

固まっていたものが、熱などによって柔らかくなり、液体のようになる。kata ma tte i ta mo no ga netsu na do ni yo tte yawa ra ka ku na ri eki tai no yō ni na ru

Word origin

Native Japanese とろける (torokeru) is not a loanword, and its older word formation is uncertain; it denotes a change from firmness to a soft, nearly liquid state.

Usage tips

  • Japanese advertising also uses とろける (torokeru) metaphorically in とろけるような笑顔 (torokeru yō na egao), describing a smile that makes the observer feel emotionally softened.

Other meanings

  • softenverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word