Inklingo

How to Say "to melt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deshacerse

/dess-ah-SEHR-seh//desaˈseɾse/

verbA2general
Use this reflexive verb for the literal melting of substances like ice cream, butter, or chocolate, especially when they are exposed to heat.
A clear ice cube sitting on a surface, visibly dripping and forming a puddle of water as it melts.

Examples

El helado se deshizo rápidamente bajo el sol.

The ice cream melted quickly under the sun.

La vieja tela se deshacía al tocarla.

The old fabric was falling apart just by touching it.

La pastilla se deshace en el agua caliente.

The pill dissolves in the hot water.

Passive Action

In this meaning, 'deshacerse' describes a change of state that happens to the subject itself (like the ice cream melting). The reflexive pronoun 'se' shows that the action is contained within the subject.

deshacer

/des-ah-SEHR//desaˈθeɾ/

verbB1general
This non-reflexive verb is used for melting related to ice or when something is broken down by heat, but can also refer to undoing or dissolving something.
An ice cube sitting on a wooden table turning into a small puddle of water.

Examples

El hielo se deshizo rápidamente bajo el sol.

The ice melted quickly under the sun.

Tienes que deshacer la pastilla en un vaso de agua.

You have to dissolve the pill in a glass of water.

Using 'se'

When something melts on its own (like ice), we add 'se' to the verb: 'El hielo se deshace'.

deshacerme

/des-ah-SAYR-meh//desaˈθeɾme/

verbB2informal
Use this specific reflexive form ('yo' form) to express the feeling of melting due to intense heat or overwhelming emotional tenderness.
A single ice cube on a colorful plate turning into a small puddle of water.

Examples

Con este calor, siento que voy a deshacerme.

With this heat, I feel like I'm going to melt.

Suelo deshacerme en lágrimas con esa película.

I usually break down in tears with that movie.

Figurative Use

Just like in English, you aren't literally turning into liquid; you're just describing a strong feeling!

Reflexive vs. Non-Reflexive 'Melt'

The most common mistake is using the non-reflexive 'deshacer' when the melting is a process happening *to* the subject itself, which requires a reflexive verb like 'deshacerse'. Remember, 'deshacerse' is for things melting, while 'deshacer' can be more about undoing.

Related Translations

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