固め
Meanings
hardening; fortifying; making firm
Used for the act of making something physically harder or more solid, or for strengthening a position, resolve, or preparation. Often appears in compound nouns such as 地固め (ground hardening/foundation strengthening) or 身固め (preparing oneself).
We thoroughly hardened the ground before construction.
We aim to strengthen our defense for the match.
Refers to a solemn promise or vow, often in contexts like marriage or loyalty. Common in expressions such as 固めの杯 (ceremonial sake cup exchanged to seal a pledge) or 夫婦の固め (marriage vows).
The two exchanged ceremonial sake cups to seal their pledge.
They exchanged marriage vows at the wedding ceremony.
defense; guarding; tightening security
Used for strengthening a defensive position, guarding against threats, or tightening security. Often seen in sports, military, or security contexts, such as 守りの固め (defensive strengthening) or 警備の固め (security reinforcement).
The team focused on tightening their defense.
Security was reinforced in preparation for the VIP visit.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉と固めの杯を交わすto exchange the ceremonial cup of pledge with someone (to seal a bond or vow)
The two exchanged the ceremonial pledge cup and became husband and wife.
- 守りの固めに入るto shift into a defensive stance (in sports, security, etc.)
As the match neared its end, the team shifted into a defensive stance.
- 〈物〉の固めが甘いfor something's hardening/setting to be insufficient
The jelly hasn't set firmly enough and is still soft.
Expressions
- 臍を固めるmake up one's mind; resolve firmly