Translation guide
The English word "dissolution" covers several distinct meanings, from physical dissolving to the formal ending of organizations or relationships. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese equivalents for each sense, helping you choose the right word for the context.
To describe a solid, gas, or other substance becoming incorporated into a liquid to form a solution.
The standard scientific and general term for dissolving. Can be used as a noun or with する to form a verb.
砂糖は水に溶解する。
Sugar dissolves in water.
この薬品はアルコールに溶解しやすい。
This chemical dissolves easily in alcohol.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to dissolve' or 'to melt'. Used in everyday conversation for things like sugar or ice melting/dissolving.
砂糖がコーヒーに溶けた。
The sugar dissolved in the coffee.
Transitive verb meaning 'to dissolve something'. Use when someone actively dissolves a substance.
彼はお湯に砂糖を溶かした。
He dissolved sugar in hot water.
To refer to the official termination or breaking up of a group, institution, or legal union.
Used for the dissolution of groups, organizations, parliaments, or assemblies. Often used in political contexts.
首相は衆議院を解散した。
The prime minister dissolved the House of Representatives.
そのバンドは解散を発表した。
The band announced their breakup.
Often used for the dissolution of partnerships, engagements, or contracts. Can also mean 'cancellation' or 'resolution'.
Means 'abolition' or 'discontinuation'. Used when a system, law, or organization is permanently done away with, not just temporarily dissolved.
To describe the ending of a personal relationship, emotional bond, or connection.
Refers to a catastrophic end of a romantic relationship or marriage. Implies a dramatic breakup.
二人の関係は破局を迎えた。
Their relationship came to an end.
A general term for parting or separation. Can be used for breakups, but also for farewells.
Specifically means 'divorce'. Use only for the legal dissolution of a marriage.
To describe something gradually falling apart, losing cohesion, or decaying.
Means 'collapse' or 'breakdown'. Used for physical structures, systems, or abstract concepts like society or economy.
帝国の崩壊は避けられなかった。
The dissolution of the empire was inevitable.
建物の崩壊が始まった。
The building began to collapse.
Means 'decomposition' or 'disassembly'. Used for chemical breakdown, or taking something apart into components.
Means 'dismantling' or 'demolition'. Used for physical structures, organizations, or systems being taken apart deliberately.
To refer to the formal ending of a legal agreement or contract.
The standard legal term for cancellation or termination of a contract.
契約の解除を申し入れた。
We requested the dissolution of the contract.
Means 'annulment' or 'revocation'. Often used for treaties, agreements, or legal decisions.
解散 is for groups/assemblies (parliament, band). 解消 is for relationships/engagements or abstract things like stress. 解除 is for contracts or locks. Do not mix them up.
Do not use 溶解 for the dissolution of a marriage or organization. That would sound like you are dissolving them in acid. Use the appropriate term from the guide.
二人は婚約を解消した。
They broke off their engagement.
契約の解消には違約金が発生する。
Cancellation of the contract incurs a penalty.
The system was abolished.
彼女との別れは辛かった。
The breakup with her was painful.
They got divorced.
有機物の分解には時間がかかる。
The decomposition of organic matter takes time.
古いビルの解体工事が始まった。
The demolition work on the old building has begun.
The dissolution of the treaty became an international issue.