Japanese symbol for “solidify”

In Japanese, solidify is 固める, read かためる (katameru).

Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.

Meanings

1. v1, vt to harden; to freeze; to strengthen; to solidify; to make (a fist); to tramp down (snow, dirt)
2. v1, vt to put together; to collect; to gather; to consolidate
3. v1, vt to make secure; to stabilize; to settle down; to strengthen (belief, resolution, etc.); to establish (evidence)
4. v1, vt to fortify; to reinforce; to support
5. v1, vt to wear for a specific purpose (armor, coat, etc.)
6. v1, vt to swear; to resolutely vow; to sincerely promise

Written forms: 固める、堅める. Readings: かためる.

Kanji and stroke order

↻ Replay stroke order

Other Japanese words for “solidify”

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

See also: Chinese symbol for “solidify”.

Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.