Japanese word

固め

Pronunciation

Romajikatame

Meaning

  • nounhardening

Example

工事では土台の固めが重要です。kō ji de wa do dai no kata me ga jū yō de su

Hardening the foundation is important during construction.

Illustration for 固め (hardening)

More examples

選挙前に、候補者は地域で足場固めを進めています。sen kyo mae ni kō ho sha wa chi iki de ashi ba kata me o susu me te i ma su

Before the election, the candidate is strengthening support in the community.

Core concept

Describes making a base or structure firm and stable so that it can withstand pressure.

Common phrases

  • 土台固めdo dai kata me

    strengthening the foundation

  • 地盤固めji ban kata me

    consolidating the base

  • 基盤固めki ban kata me

    consolidating the foundation

  • 足場固めashi ba kata me

    establishing a foothold

  • 体制固めtai sei kata me

    consolidating the system

Similar words

地固めjigatame: The act of strengthening a foundation before further work or development.
強化kyōka: The process of increasing the strength, ability, or effectiveness of something.
補強hokyō: The process of reinforcing a structure or part that needs more support.

Definition in Japanese

基礎や構造物などを硬くし、安定させること。ki so ya kō zō butsu na do o kata ku shi an tei sa se ru ko to

Word origin

固め (katame) is the noun use of the continuative form of 固める (katameru, "to make firm"), retaining the sense of strengthening a base or structure.

Usage tips

  • The compound 地盤固め (jiban-gatame) applies this idea of consolidating a foundation to political, business, and other nonphysical situations.

Other meanings

  • consolidationnoun
  • fortificationnoun

Opposites

  • 緩みyurumilooseningnoun

Related words

  • 固め方katamekataway of hardeningnoun

Word lists with this word