Translation guide
The English verb 'dilute' means to make a liquid weaker by adding water or another liquid, or metaphorically to weaken the force or quality of something. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 薄める (usumeru) for liquids, and 薄める or 和らげる (yawarageru) for abstract things. The choice depends on what is being diluted.
To make a liquid (drink, chemical, etc.) weaker or less concentrated by adding water or another liquid.
The standard transitive verb for diluting a liquid. Used for drinks, paint, chemicals, etc.
このジュースは濃すぎるので、水で薄めてください。
This juice is too strong, so please dilute it with water.
ペンキを薄めるためにシンナーを使った。
I used thinner to dilute the paint.
Often used for diluting alcoholic drinks with water, soda, etc. Implies mixing with something else.
ウイスキーを水で割る。
Dilute whiskey with water.
焼酎をソーダで割って飲む。
I drink shochu diluted with soda.
Technical term used in chemistry, medicine, or formal contexts. Not used in everyday conversation.
この溶液を10倍に希釈してください。
Please dilute this solution 10 times.
To make something less strong, powerful, or effective, such as an argument, impact, or flavor.
Can be used metaphorically for weakening an effect, flavor, or quality.
スパイスの風味を薄めないように注意した。
I was careful not to dilute the flavor of the spices.
彼の批判は議論の焦点を薄めてしまった。
His criticism diluted the focus of the argument.
Means to soften, lessen, or mitigate. Used for abstract things like impact, tension, or harshness.
Directly means 'to weaken'. Can be used when dilution leads to weakening of effect.
In finance, to reduce the value of shares or ownership percentage by issuing more shares.
Standard financial term for dilution of stock or ownership.
新株発行により、既存株主の持ち分が希薄化された。
The existing shareholders' equity was diluted by the issuance of new shares.
Can be used informally in business contexts, but 希薄化する is more precise.
増資によって一株当たりの価値が薄まった。
The value per share was diluted due to the capital increase.
薄める is the general term for diluting any liquid. 割る is specifically for mixing drinks, especially alcohol, with another liquid. 割る is more casual and common in daily conversation about drinks.
ジュースを水で薄める。
Dilute juice with water.
焼酎をお湯で割る。
Dilute shochu with hot water.
When 'dilute' is used metaphorically (e.g., dilute an argument), directly translating as 薄める may sound unnatural. Consider 和らげる or 弱める depending on context.
彼の冗談が場の緊張を和らげた。
His joke diluted the tension in the room.
証拠が不十分で、彼の主張は弱められた。
The lack of evidence diluted his argument.