Translation guide
Describes when something that was fixed, tied, or attached becomes unfastened, detached, or slack. Covers physical objects like screws, knots, and parts, as well as metaphorical uses like plans falling apart.
Something that was securely fixed, tied, or attached becomes loose or comes apart.
General term for something becoming loose or slack. Used for screws, knots, belts, etc. Intransitive.
Means to come off, detach, or slip out of place. Used when something was attached or fitted and then comes loose.
Specifically for knots, ties, or tangled things coming undone or loose.
結び目が解けた。
The knot came loose.
Used when something that was inserted or plugged in comes out or loose, like a plug or a tooth.
プラグが抜けかかっている。
The plug is coming loose.
A grip, hold, or tension becomes weaker or less firm.
Also used for abstract things like discipline, attention, or tension becoming slack.
Means to sag or become slack, often for ropes, skin, or fabric that loses tension.
ロープがたるんでいる。
The rope is loose (has come loose).
Figurative use: something that was organized or planned becomes disorganized or fails.
Literally 'the plan loosens', but not very common. Better to use other expressions.
This is a literal translation and may sound unnatural. Consider using 計画がだめになる or 計画が崩れる instead.
計画が緩んでしまった。
The plan came loose (fell apart).
Means 'the discussion/plan doesn't come together', used when arrangements fall through.
交渉がまとまらなかった。
The negotiations came loose (fell through).
緩む (yurumu) is for gradual loosening or slackening. 外れる (hazureru) is for something detaching or coming off completely. 解ける (hodokeru) is specifically for knots or tangles coming undone.
For plans or arrangements 'coming loose', direct translations like 計画が緩む are often unnatural. Use expressions like 計画が崩れる (keikaku ga kuzureru) or 話がまとまらない (hanashi ga matomaranai) instead.