noun
hardening; fortifying; making firm
Used for the act of making something physically harder or more solid, or for strengthening a position, resolve, or preparation. Often appears in compound nouns such as 地固め (ground hardening/foundation strengthening) or 身固め (preparing oneself).
工事の前に地固めをしっかり行った。
We thoroughly hardened the ground before construction.
試合に向けて守備の固めを図る。
We aim to strengthen our defense for the match.
noun
Refers to a solemn promise or vow, often in contexts like marriage or loyalty. Common in expressions such as 固めの杯 (ceremonial sake cup exchanged to seal a pledge) or 夫婦の固め (marriage vows).
二人は固めの杯を交わした。
The two exchanged ceremonial sake cups to seal their pledge.
結婚式で夫婦の固めを誓った。
They exchanged marriage vows at the wedding ceremony.
noun
defense; guarding; tightening security
Used for strengthening a defensive position, guarding against threats, or tightening security. Often seen in sports, military, or security contexts, such as 守りの固め (defensive strengthening) or 警備の固め (security reinforcement).
チームは守りの固めに重点を置いた。
The team focused on tightening their defense.
要人訪問に備えて警備の固めが行われた。
Security was reinforced in preparation for the VIP visit.