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For a foundation, skill, or system to become stable and firmly established after a period of development or practice.
技術を学ぶだけでなく、基礎が固まってから応用に進むべきだ。
You should not move on to applications until your foundation in the technique is solidified, not just learning it.
新しい会社の基礎が固まりつつある。
The foundation of the new company is gradually solidifying.
Often used in contexts of learning, business development, or system establishment. Implies a natural progression toward stability rather than an abrupt change.
Use this phrase when describing the natural process of a foundation, skill, or system becoming stable over time. It implies organic growth rather than forced stabilization. For example, '基礎が固まってきた' (The foundation has solidified) suggests gradual improvement, while '基礎が固まった' (The foundation is solid) states the completed state.
固まる literally means 'to harden' or 'to become firm,' but in this phrase, it metaphorically means 'to become stable' or 'to solidify.' Do not translate it as 'to harden' in this context.
基礎 (foundation/base) + が (subject marker) + 固まる (to harden/become firm). The verb 固まる originally refers to physical hardening but is metaphorically extended to abstract stability in skills, systems, or relationships.
Commonly used in educational, business, and technical contexts. The phrase emphasizes the process of becoming stable rather than the state of being stable. Often paired with time expressions like 3ヶ月で (in 3 months) or 徐々に (gradually).