Explore 解 in physical and abstract situations: a string can be untied, while a problem can be solved.
The idea
解 has 13 strokes. Follow the linked diagram. Learn 解く（とく）, 解ける（とける）, 理解（りかい） and 解決（かいけつ） as whole words; 解 has different readings in them.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 解く | とく | untie; solve |
| 解ける | とける | come undone |
| 理解 | りかい | understanding |
| 解決 | かいけつ | resolution |
Examples
- 私は問題を解きます。I solve the problem.
- 私はひもを解きます。I untie the string.
- その結び目が解けます。The knot comes undone.
- 説明を理解します。I understand the explanation.
- 問題を一緒に解決します。We solve the problem together.
- 先生が答えを説明します。The teacher explains the answer.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
解く is transitive: someone unties or solves something. 解ける is intransitive: a knot comes undone. 解決 means a resolution, not a physical knot.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 解く in hiragana.
Show answer or example answer
とく
解く is とく. It can mean to untie a string or solve a problem.
Write the reading of 理解 in hiragana.
Show answer or example answer
りかい
理解 is りかい: understanding. Here 解 is read かい.
Choose the missing kanji: 解＿（かいけつ）［決／結］.
Show answer or example answer
決
決 completes 解決（かいけつ）, meaning resolution; 結 is not used in this word.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 解く in hiragana.
Write the reading of 理解 in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: 解＿（かいけつ）［決／結］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 解 using the stroke diagram. Cover the table, read the four words aloud and make a sentence with one.