How to say "harden" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 固まるかたまるgodan verb, intransitive verbIntransitive: use this when something becomes hard or solid on its own — cement setting, jelly firming, a liquid solidifying. It is the intransitive counterpart of 固める.
- 固めるかためるichidan verb, transitive verbTransitive: use this when someone hardens, solidifies or freezes something, or makes it firm and secure; it also covers strengthening a defense or consolidating a position.
- godan verb, intransitive verbFor 'harden' in the sense of stiffen: a face, expression or muscles becoming tense and rigid. Not for liquids or materials solidifying; usually written in kana alone.
Use 「固まる」 when something hardens or solidifies by itself, 「固める」 when you harden, strengthen or freeze something, and 「こわばる」 when a face, expression or muscles stiffen with tension instead of a substance turning solid.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
