解きます（ときます、tokimasu）
- to solve

The Japanese verb 解きます (読み: ときます, *tokimasu*) primarily means "to solve," "to unravel," "to undo," or "to loosen." It can be used in several contexts, including solving problems, untying knots, or releasing something that is bound or fixed. The specific meaning depends on the context of the sentence. The verb 解きます describes the action of finding a solution or releasing something from a bound state.

⚫︎数学の問題を解きます Translation: I solve the math problem. ⚫︎彼はロープを解き始めた。 Translation: He started to untie the rope. ⚫︎パズルを解くのは難しい。 Translation: Solving puzzles is difficult.

⚫︎ Use 解きます when you are referring to the act of solving a problem, riddle, or puzzle. ⚫︎ It is also used when you are untying something, like a rope or a knot. ⚫︎ It can be used more figuratively to describe the act of releasing or breaking something down. ⚫︎ The polite form is 解きます (*tokimasu*). The plain form is 解く (*toku*).

⚫︎ This word is typically written with the kanji 解 (meaning "to untie," "to solve") and the hiragana きます (*kimasu*) for the polite present tense. ⚫︎ The base form is written as 解く (*toku*). ⚫︎ The okurigana is きます (*kimasu*) or く(*ku*) in base form.

⚫︎ 解決します (*kaiketsu shimasu*) - to resolve, to solve (formal and often used for problems). ⚫︎ ほどきます (*hodokimasu*) - to unravel, to untie (specifically for knots, strings, etc.) ⚫︎ 答えます (*kotaemasu*) - to answer (for questions or problems).

⚫︎ 結びます (*musubimasu*) - to tie, to knot. ⚫︎ 縛ります (*shibarimasu*) - to tie up, to bind. ⚫︎ 固めます (*katamemasu*) - to harden, to solidify.

この問題は難しいけれど、頑張って解きます。 ・Translation: This problem is difficult, but I will do my best to solve it. ・Explanation: This sentence uses the plain form 解きます (*tokimasu*) to express the speaker's intention to solve a difficult problem.

その謎を解くために、いろいろな情報を調べた。 ・Translation: I researched various information to solve that mystery. ・Explanation: The plain form 解く (*toku*) is used here in the purpose of solving a mystery.

The kanji 解 combines the radical 角 (horn) with the phonetic component 牛 (cow). It originally meant "to cut apart" or "to separate." Over time, its meaning expanded to include "to untie," "to solve," and other related concepts.