Translation guide
The English word 'soluble' has two main meanings: capable of being dissolved in a liquid, and capable of being solved or explained. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both.
Describing a substance that can dissolve in a liquid, especially water.
The most common and natural way to say 'water-soluble'. Used as a noun modifier.
This vitamin is water-soluble.
Referring to a problem, puzzle, or mystery that can be solved.
The most direct and common way to say 'soluble' in the sense of 'solvable'. Literally 'can be solved'.
In English, 'soluble' can mean 'solvable', but in Japanese, the chemical sense and the problem-solving sense use completely different words. Use 水溶性 for dissolving, and 解決できる for solving.
A more technical term meaning 'soluble', often used in chemistry. Can be combined with solvents, e.g., 水可溶性 (water-soluble).
This compound is soluble in water.
The verb 'to dissolve' (intransitive). Use this to describe the action of dissolving. For transitive, use 溶かす (とかす).
Sugar dissolves in water.
Means 'fat-soluble'. Used for substances like some vitamins.
Vitamin A is fat-soluble.
This problem is easily soluble.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be solved', 'to come untied', or 'to be unraveled'. Often used for puzzles, riddles, or mysteries.
The mystery is not yet soluble.
Means 'can be clarified/elucidated'. Used for scientific or complex problems that can be explained.
This phenomenon is soluble by science.