1.
to harden, to solidify
To become hard or solid.
セメントが固まった。
The cement hardened.
緊張で体が固まった。
My body stiffened from tension.
接着剤が固まった。
The glue hardened.
2.
to be finalized, to be decided
For plans or decisions to become fixed.
予定が固まった。
The plans were finalized.
方針が固まった。
The policy was finalized.
決意が固まって、留学することにした。
My resolve was set, and I decided to study abroad.
固まる is an intransitive godan verb meaning to harden, solidify, or become fixed. It covers both physical hardening and abstract finalization.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 自動詞 (intransitive)
- Pair: 固める (transitive — to harden something, to solidify)
ASPECT (ている):
固まっている means "is hardened" or "is set" — the resulting state after solidification.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- セメントが固まる: cement hardens
- 予定が固まる: plans are finalized
- 決意が固まる: one's resolve is set
- 体が固まる: body stiffens (from tension or fear)
- 考えが固まる: ideas take shape / become firm
USAGE:
Physical hardening (cement, glue, clay), abstract finalization (plans, decisions, opinions), and emotional/bodily stiffening (from nervousness or shock) are all natural uses.