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JLPT N18画 · 8 strokesradical 囗grade 4freq #750

harden, set, clot, curdle

On'yomi (音読み)

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • かた.める
  • かた.まる
  • かた.まり
  • かた.い

Mnemonic

Imagine a fortress (the 囗 radical) made of solid stone (固) that has hardened over time, preventing anything soft from getting inside.

About this kanji

The kanji 「固」 primarily means to harden or set, and it is often used as a verb. One common verb is 固める (かためる), which means "to harden" something, like solidifying a liquid. As a noun, it appears in compounds like 固定 (こてい), meaning "fixing in place," which can refer to securing an object. Another compound is 固有 (こゆう), meaning "characteristic of," which describes traits that are inherent to something. A quick note is that when used, this kanji often conveys a sense of firmness or rigidity, which can reflect both physical and metaphorical states.

Example sentences

  • この岩は非常に固い。

    This rock is very hard.

Meanings across languages

English
harden, set, clot, curdle
Tiếng Việt
cứng lại
日本語
固める
한국어
단단히 하다
中文
变硬
id
mengeras
th
ทำให้แข็ง
es
endurecer
fr
durcir
de
härten
pt
endurecer

Common compounds

  • 固定こていfixing (in place), being fixed (in place), securing
  • 固有こゆうcharacteristic (of), peculiar (to), inherent (in)
  • 固めるかためるto harden, to freeze, to strengthen
  • 確固かっこfirm, unshakeable, resolute
  • 頑固がんこstubborn, obstinate, pigheaded
  • 凝固ぎょうこcoagulation, freezing, solidification
  • 固めかためhardening, fortifying, pledge
  • 固形こけいsolid (body)

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