1.
to harden, to solidify
To make something hard or solid.
土を固める。
To pack the soil.
粘土を固める。
To harden clay.
セメントを水で固めた。
I hardened the cement with water.
2.
to strengthen, to fortify
To make something more secure or firm.
決意を固める。
To strengthen one's resolve.
守りを固める。
To strengthen the defense.
足元を固めてから進む。
To secure one's footing before advancing.
固める is an ichidan verb meaning to harden, solidify, or strengthen.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
- Pair: 固まる (intransitive, to harden)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 決意を固める: to firm up one's resolve
- 守りを固める: to strengthen defense
- 足元を固める: to secure one's footing
- 土を固める: to pack the soil
- 身を固める: to settle down (get married)
RELATED ADJECTIVE:
固い: hard, solid, firm