Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Untie" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "untie", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
解ける
とける (tokeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
解く
とく (toku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "untie" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 解ける and 解く.
In Japanese, 解ける (とける (tokeru)) is typically associated with "to untie, to come undone, to be solved, to melt" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An intransitive verb with various meanings. Can refer to a knot coming undone, a problem being solved, or ice/snow melting. Often used when something.
On the other hand, 解く (とく (toku)) maps to "to untie, to unfasten, to unravel, to solve (a problem, a mystery)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents This verb has two main uses: 1. To untie or unfasten something. A literal translation of "untie" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "解ける"
この問題は難しかったが、やっと解けた。
This problem was difficult, but I finally solved it.
Bilingual Context for "解く"
私は数学の難しい問題を解くのが好きです。
I like solving difficult math problems.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この問題は難しかったが、やっと解けた。" (Meaning: "This problem was difficult, but I finally solved it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "解ける" fits here because it means "to untie, to come undone, to be solved, to melt" in the context of: "This problem was difficult, but I finally solved it.". "解く" represents "to untie, to unfasten, to unravel, to solve (a problem, a mystery)".