ほどける

ほ

ど

け

る

Common wordJLPTN1Freq.FrequencyTop 10,000

ほどける · ichidan verb

Meanings

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

usually written using kana alone

Describes knots, strings, or tied things becoming undone by themselves. Also used for something unraveling or loosening naturally.

Related words

緩ゆるむN1sense 1
緩む describes something becoming loose or slack in a general sense (screws, grip, rules), while 解ける specifically refers to a tied knot or string coming undone.
和やわらぐN1sense 2
和らぐ is used for feelings, pain, or mood softening, while 解ける in this sense specifically describes tension or a strained atmosphere easing.
解とけるN3
ほどける is used specifically for knots and ties coming undone, while 解ける covers that same sense plus solving puzzles and lifting bans or tension.
ほぐれるN1
解ける describes any kind of knot or fastening coming undone, while ほぐれる specifically suggests a gradual loosening of something that was tightly tangled or twisted.

Opposites

閉しまるN5sense 1
締まる means to become tight or firmly tied, the opposite of 解ける meaning a knot coming loose.
緊きん張ちょうN4sense 2
緊張する means to become tense or nervous, the opposite of 解ける meaning tension easing or relaxing.
もつれるN1
解ける means a knot or tangle comes loose and unravels, the opposite of 縺れる, which means threads or strings become tangled.

Don't confuse with

解とけるN3
解ける(とける) written with the same kanji means 'to melt' or 'to be solved', while 解ける(ほどける) means a knot or tension coming undone or easing.
溶とけるN2
溶ける (とける) means to melt or dissolve, while 解ける (ほどける) means to come untied or unravel, and the two are easily confused when written without kana.