1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “溶” (yō) means “to dissolve” or “to melt.” It is often used to describe the process of a solid turning into a liquid, such as ice melting into water.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “溶” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the water radical (氵) on the left, indicating a relation to liquids, with the phonetic component “容” (yō), which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “溶” is 氵, which is a variant of 水 (mizu), meaning “water.” This radical is commonly found in kanji related to water or liquids.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 溶解 (yōkai) – dissolution
- 溶液 (yōeki) – solution (liquid)
- 溶ける (tokeru) – to melt or dissolve
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 氷が溶けて水になった。 (Kōri ga tokete mizu ni natta.) – The ice melted and turned into water.
- この砂糖はすぐに溶けます。 (Kono satō wa sugu ni tokemasu.) – This sugar dissolves quickly.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 融 (yū) – to melt or fuse, often used in contexts like “融通” (yūzū), meaning flexibility or accommodation.
- 溶 and 融 both relate to melting, but “融” often implies a more complete blending or fusion.
Antonyms:
- 固 (ko) – solid, indicating the opposite state of being solid rather than liquid.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of melting or dissolving is significant in Japanese culture, particularly in relation to nature and seasonal changes, such as the melting of snow in spring.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「氷が溶ける」(Kōri ga tokeru) – This phrase can be used metaphorically to describe a situation where tensions ease or relationships improve.