溶く

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 溶く is read as とく and is a transitive verb for mixing paint or powder into a liquid.
• Basic usage: Mark the substance with を and the liquid used with で, as in 絵の具を水で溶く.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Contrast with 溶ける
  • 溶く presents someone mixing the substance, whereas 溶ける describes the substance dissolving or melting.
• Not limited to water
  • The liquid may be water or broth in these examples, so the English explanation should not restrict the action to water alone.