ほぐす

also: ほごす

ほ

ぐ

す

Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

1

godan verb (-su), transitive verb

usually written using kana alone

Used for physically separating tangled threads, hair, or knots, or loosening something that is stiff or tight.

肩かたのこりをほぐすためにマッサージに行いった。

I went for a massage to loosen up my stiff shoulders.

2

godan verb (-su), transitive verb

usually written using kana alone

Often used for separating cooked fish into flakes or breaking up something into smaller parts.

3

godan verb (-su), transitive verb

usually written using kana alone

Used for relieving tension, stress, or stiffness, both physical and mental.

ほぐすUsage99%
Usually written in kana. The kanji spelling 解す is used but less common.
解すUsage1%
- ほぐす
  Kanji spelling; can also be read ほごす (rare).
- ほごす
  rarely-used kana form
ほごすUsage<1%
rarely-used kana form
Rarely used kana form.

解ほどく
ほどく also means to untie or undo, but is more commonly used for untying knots or unfastening things, while ほぐす focuses on loosening or disentangling something that is tangled or stiff.
緩ゆるめる
ゆるめる means to loosen or slacken something that is tight, like a screw or a belt, whereas ほぐす implies working out tangles or stiffness.

The origin is uncertain, but it is likely related to the verb 解く (ほどく), with a shift in meaning and pronunciation.