Translation guide
The act of making something less severe, such as pain, suffering, or a problem. In Japanese, this is often expressed with nouns like 緩和 or 軽減, or through verbs and phrases that describe easing or lightening a burden.
To make physical or emotional pain, symptoms, or distress less intense.
A general noun for alleviation, easing, or mitigation, commonly used in medical and formal contexts.
痛みの緩和が最優先です。
Alleviation of pain is the top priority.
ストレス緩和にヨガをしています。
I do yoga for stress alleviation.
Focuses on reduction or lightening of a burden, often used for symptoms, costs, or workloads.
この薬は副作用を軽減します。
This medicine alleviates side effects.
A verb meaning to soften or ease something like pain or tension.
温かいお茶が痛みを和らげた。
The warm tea alleviated the pain.
To make a problem, burden, or difficult situation less serious.
Also used for abstract situations like traffic congestion, tension, or regulations.
交通渋滞の緩和策を検討中です。
We are considering measures for the alleviation of traffic congestion.
Implies resolution or elimination of a problem, often used for stress or shortages.
A common phrase meaning to lighten a burden or make a load easier.
新しい制度で家計の負担を軽くする。
The new system alleviates the financial burden on households.
To comfort someone or reduce anxiety, worry, or sadness.
A natural way to say 'to ease one's mind' or 'to make someone feel better'.
話を聞いてもらって気持ちが楽になった。
Talking to someone alleviated my feelings.
Literally 'to lighten the heart', used for emotional relief.
彼の言葉が私の心を軽くしてくれた。
His words alleviated my heart.
緩和 is broader and often used for abstract or systemic alleviation (pain, regulations, tension). 軽減 emphasizes a measurable reduction in burden, cost, or symptoms. In medical contexts, both can be used, but 緩和ケア (palliative care) is a fixed term.
English nouns ending in -tion often sound unnatural if directly translated into Japanese nouns. In many cases, using a verb phrase like 和らげる or 軽減する is more natural than forcing a noun form.
運動でストレスを解消する。
I alleviate stress through exercise.