Translation guide
A phase change is when a substance changes from one state of matter (solid, liquid, gas) to another, such as melting, freezing, boiling, or condensation. In Japanese, the general term is 相転移 (そうてんい), but in everyday contexts, specific verbs like 溶ける (とける, melt) or 凍る (こおる, freeze) are more common.
Referring to the physical process of changing state, often in physics or chemistry.
The standard scientific term for phase transition. Used in academic and technical contexts.
水の相転移は0度で起こる。
The phase change of water occurs at 0 degrees.
Also means phase change, often used in engineering or materials science.
Changing from solid to liquid.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to melt'. Used for solids becoming liquid.
Changing from liquid to solid.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to freeze' (for water or liquids).
Changing from liquid to gas.
Changing from gas to liquid.
Verb meaning 'to condense' (gas to liquid).
水蒸気が凝縮して水滴になる。
Water vapor condenses into water droplets.
Changing directly from solid to gas.
Verb meaning 'to sublimate'.
ドライアイスは昇華する。
Dry ice sublimates.
相転移 is a technical term. In daily life, use specific verbs like 溶ける (melt), 凍る (freeze), 沸騰する (boil), etc.
Many phase change verbs have transitive/intransitive pairs. For example, 溶ける (intransitive, 'to melt') vs 溶かす (transitive, 'to melt something'). Pay attention to the particle: が for intransitive, を for transitive.
この材料は加熱すると相変化を起こす。
This material undergoes a phase change when heated.
氷が溶けた。
The ice melted.
Transitive verb meaning 'to melt something'.
バターを溶かしてください。
Please melt the butter.
Formal term for melting, used in scientific contexts.
融解点は物質によって異なる。
The melting point differs depending on the substance.
水が凍った。
The water froze.
Transitive verb meaning 'to freeze something'.
ジュースを凍らせてシャーベットを作った。
I froze juice and made sherbet.
Technical term for solidification or coagulation.
血液が凝固する。
Blood coagulates.
水たまりが蒸発した。
The puddle evaporated.
Specifically refers to condensation forming on surfaces (dew).
窓に結露ができた。
Condensation formed on the window.