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.
このビタミンは水溶性です。
This vitamin is water-soluble.
A more technical term meaning 'soluble', often used in chemistry. Can be combined with solvents, e.g., 水可溶性 (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'.
この問題は簡単に解決できる。
This problem is easily soluble.
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.
この化合物は水に可溶性です。
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).
砂糖は水に溶ける。
Sugar dissolves in water.
Means 'fat-soluble'. Used for substances like some vitamins.
ビタミンAは脂溶性です。
Vitamin A is fat-soluble.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be solved', 'to come untied', or 'to be unraveled'. Often used for puzzles, riddles, or mysteries.
その謎はまだ解けていない。
The mystery is not yet soluble.
Means 'can be clarified/elucidated'. Used for scientific or complex problems that can be explained.
この現象は科学で解明できる。
This phenomenon is soluble by science.