Translation guide
The English verb "dissolve" has several distinct meanings, from physical dissolution to the ending of organizations or relationships. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese equivalents for each sense.
To cause a solid to mix into a liquid and become part of it, or to do so on its own.
Transitive verb: to dissolve something (e.g., sugar in water).
Please dissolve the sugar in hot water.
Intransitive verb: for a solid to dissolve (e.g., sugar dissolves).
The sugar dissolved in the water.
Formal/technical term for dissolving, used in scientific contexts.
This substance dissolves easily in water.
To officially end an organization, committee, or formal group.
To formally end a marriage or partnership.
To fade away or vanish slowly, such as feelings, fog, or a crowd.
General verb for disappearing; can be used for fog, feelings, etc.
To melt into or blend into the surroundings, often used for people or scenery.
Formal/literary term for dissipating or vanishing, used for clouds, smoke, worries.
The clouds dissolved.
A gradual transition from one image to another.
溶かす (tokasu) is transitive (someone dissolves something), while 溶ける (tokeru) is intransitive (something dissolves on its own). Be careful not to mix them up.
溶かす (tokasu) only means physical dissolution. For dissolving a group or marriage, use 解散する or 解消する.
彼は人混みに溶け込んだ。
He dissolved into the crowd.
The screen dissolved to black.