るつぼ
る
つ
ぼ
Meanings
1
crucible; melting pot
usually written using kana alone
A container used for melting metals or other materials at very high temperatures. In chemistry and metallurgy contexts.
To melt the metal, they heated the crucible at a high temperature.
2
melting pot (of cultures, ideas, etc.)
usually written using kana alone
Figurative use: a place or situation where different cultures, ideas, or people mix together. Often used in phrases like 人種のるつぼ (racial melting pot).
New York is a melting pot of diverse cultures.
3
state of ecstasy; fevered excitement
usually written using kana alone
Describes a state of intense excitement or ecstasy, often in a crowd or group setting. Common in expressions like 興奮のるつぼ (a cauldron of excitement).
The moment the championship was decided, the stadium turned into a cauldron of excitement.
Expressions
- 坩堝と化すturn into a crucible; become a hotbed of excitement