Japanese Conversation · Level 52
90 words
Japanese word
固まる
Pronunciation
Romajikatamaru
Meaning
- verbset
Example
冷蔵庫でプリンが固まります。rei zō ko de pu ri n ga kata ma ri ma su
The pudding sets in the refrigerator.
More examples
このゼリーは冷やさないと、なかなか固まりません。ko no ze rī wa hi ya sa na i to na ka na ka kata ma ri ma se n
This jelly does not set easily unless it is chilled.
Core concept
Shows a change from a soft, fluid, or unsettled state to a firm or definite state.
Common phrases
ゼリーが固まるze rī ga kata ma ru
jelly sets
しっかり固まるshi kka ri kata ma ru
set firmly
Similar words
凝固するgyōkosuru: To change from a liquid or soft state into a solid or semi-solid state.
こごるkogoru: To become firm and jelly-like as a liquid cools.
凍るkōru: To turn into ice or become hard because of cold.
Definition in Japanese
液体や柔らかい物が固い状態になる。また、考えや計画などがはっきり定まる。eki tai ya yawa ra ka i mono ga kata i jō tai ni na ru ma ta kanga e ya kei kaku na do ga ha kki ri sada ma ru
Word origin
The native verb 固まる (katamaru) combines the stem of 固い (katai, "hard") with the suffix まる (maru, "become that way"), which marks a change into a state.
Usage tips
- When pudding or jelly sets, Japanese uses 固まる (katamaru) because the food changes state without an agent acting on it.