Japanese word

解ける

Pronunciation

Romajitokeru

Meaning

  • verbbe solved

Example

この問題はすぐに解けます。ko no mon dai wa su gu ni to ke ma su

This problem can be solved quickly.

Illustration for 解ける (be solved)

More examples

ヒントを読めば、このパズルは解けます。hi n to o yo me ba ko no pa zu ru wa to ke ma su

If you read the hint, you can solve this puzzle.

Core concept

Describes a state in which an obstacle or constraint disappears, allowing a problem to be solved, a knot to come undone, or tension to ease.

Common phrases

  • パズルが解けるpa zu ru ga to ke ru

    a puzzle can be solved

  • 問題が解けるmon dai ga to ke ru

    a problem can be solved

Similar words

解くtoku: To work out the answer to a question, problem, or puzzle.
解決するkaiketsusuru: To bring a problem or difficult situation to a settled state through deliberate action.

Definition in Japanese

問題や疑問などの答えが見つかり、解決する。mon dai ya gi mon na do no kota e ga mi tsu ka ri kai ketsu su ru

Word origin

解ける (tokeru, "be solved, come undone, or ease") is the native intransitive counterpart of 解く (toku, "untie or solve"), with the two verbs sharing the base meaning of removing a constraint.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English solve, 解ける (tokeru) commonly makes the problem the subject, as in この問題は解ける (kono mondai wa tokeru), meaning that the problem can be solved.

Other meanings

  • come undoneverb
  • easeverb

Word lists with this word