溶解

• Pinyin: róng jiě
• Hanzi breakdown: 溶 = 氵+ 容 (water + contain = dissolve into liquid); 解 = 角 + 刀 + 牛 (horn + knife + ox = to separate/break apart)

Meaning

To dissolve; to cause a solid substance to mix uniformly into a liquid, forming a solution.

Primarily a scientific and chemical term, but also used metaphorically to describe gradual integration, blending, or the disappearance of distinctions. In chemistry: 溶解度 (solubility), 溶解性 (dissolving properties). Metaphorically used to describe tensions dissolving or barriers blending away.

Examples

1. 将适量食盐加入温水中，充分搅拌直至晶体完全溶解为止。 Add an appropriate amount of salt to warm water and stir thoroughly until the crystals have completely dissolved.
2. 某些特定类型的塑料在高温环境下会逐渐溶解，并释放出有害化学物质。 Certain types of plastic can gradually dissolve in high-temperature conditions and release harmful chemicals.
3. 长期深入的合作使两支团队之间的隔阂慢慢溶解，逐渐形成了真正的协作凝聚力。 Long-term, in-depth cooperation slowly dissolved the barriers between the two teams, and real collaborative cohesion gradually took shape.

Usage Guide

Context: science, chemistry, education

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 该化学物质在常温下即可迅速溶解于水，操作十分简便安全。(This chemical substance can dissolve rapidly in water at room temperature, making it very easy and safe to handle.)
• 随着交流的不断加深，文化差异逐渐溶解，两国人民之间的友谊日益深厚。(As exchanges continue to deepen, cultural differences gradually dissolve and the friendship between the peoples of both nations grows ever stronger.)

Don't Say

• 我把心情溶解掉了 — 溶解 refers to physical or gradual blending; use 化解 for resolving tension or 释然 for emotional relief

Origin & History

溶 (to dissolve/be soluble in liquid) + 解 (to separate/break down)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal