1.
to dissolve into; to melt into
To become absorbed into a liquid or substance, losing its original form.
砂糖が水に溶け込んだ。
The sugar dissolved into the water.
2.
to blend in; to assimilate; to fit in
To become an integrated part of a group or environment, adapting to the surroundings.
新入社員は早く職場に溶け込んだ。
The new employee quickly blended into the workplace.
地域社会に溶け込むには時間がかかる。
It takes time to assimilate into the local community.
CONJUGATION:
- 溶け込む → 溶け込まない (negative)
- 溶け込む → 溶け込んで (te-form)
- 溶け込む → 溶け込んだ (past)
FORMATION:
Compound verb: 溶ける (to dissolve/melt) + 込む (into)
The ～込む pattern emphasizes becoming deeply integrated or absorbed.
COLLOCATIONS:
- 社会に溶け込む - to blend into society
- 風景に溶け込む - to blend into the scenery
- チームに溶け込む - to fit into the team
- 自然に溶け込む - to blend naturally
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 馴染む - to become familiar with, to fit in (more about becoming accustomed)
- 適応する - to adapt (more formal, biological/psychological)