Translation guide
The English verb 'congeal' describes a liquid becoming thick or solid, often through cooling or chemical change. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 固まる (katamaru), but other verbs are used depending on the substance and process.
脂が固まった。
The fat congealed.
To describe a liquid turning into a solid or semi-solid state, such as fat, blood, or jelly.
The most general and common verb for 'congeal' or 'solidify'. Used for liquids turning solid, including fat, blood, and jelly.
油が冷えて固まった。
The oil cooled and congealed.
血が傷口で固まっている。
The blood has congealed at the wound.
A more formal or technical term for 'congeal' or 'coagulate', often used in scientific contexts.
血液は空気に触れると凝固する。
Blood congeals when exposed to air.
Can mean 'to congeal' or 'to clot', but more commonly means 'to become stiff' (muscles). Use with caution.
血が凝る。
Blood congeals.
Specifically for fats, oils, or grease solidifying when cooled.
Works perfectly for fat or grease congealing.
ラードが冷蔵庫で固まった。
The lard congealed in the fridge.
Describes fat congealing into a white solid, common in cooking contexts.
鍋のスープの脂が白く固まっている。
The fat in the pot's soup has congealed white.
Specifically for blood clotting or coagulating.
For jelly, gelatin, or aspic setting into a solid.
Used for jelly setting.
ゼリーが冷蔵庫で固まった。
The jelly congealed in the fridge.
Describes something congealing into a jelly-like state.
スープが冷えてゼリー状に固まった。
The soup cooled and congealed into a jelly.
固まる is the everyday verb for congealing, solidifying, or hardening. 凝固する is a formal, technical term used mainly in scientific or medical contexts for coagulation or freezing.
日常会話では「固まる」を使います。
In everyday conversation, use 'katamaru'.
English 'congeal' is often translated as 固まる, but depending on the substance, other verbs like 凍る (freeze) or 固める (to harden something) might be more natural. Always consider the context.