Translation guide
The concept of making something softer, gentler, or less severe. This guide covers physical softening, emotional softening, and the softening of rules, attitudes, or impacts.
Making a material or substance physically softer or more pliable.
General verb phrase meaning 'to make something soft'. Used for materials, food, etc.
バターを室温で柔らかくする。
Soften the butter at room temperature.
More formal or technical term for softening, often used in scientific or industrial contexts.
この薬品は水を軟化させる。
This chemical softens water.
To loosen or soften something that is stiff or tangled, like muscles or fibers.
肩の筋肉をほぐす。
Loosen up the shoulder muscles.
Becoming less stern, harsh, or severe in demeanor, tone, or expression.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to soften' or 'to become gentle'. Often used for expressions, attitudes, or pain.
彼の表情が和らいだ。
His expression softened.
Transitive verb meaning 'to soften' or 'to ease'. Used for making something less severe, such as pain, tone, or criticism.
To become calm, gentle, or mild. Describes a person's demeanor or the atmosphere.
彼の態度が穏やかになった。
His attitude softened.
Reducing the force, harshness, or negative effect of something.
To mitigate, alleviate, or ease. Commonly used for policies, regulations, traffic, or pain.
規制を緩和する。
Soften regulations.
To weaken or lessen the intensity. Can be used for sound, light, impact, or force.
衝撃を弱める。
Soften the impact.
To reduce or alleviate a burden, pain, or negative effect. Often used in formal contexts.
痛みを軽減する。
Alleviate the pain.
Making a sound or light less harsh, loud, or bright.
彼女は声を和らげて話した。
She spoke in a softened voice.
音量を弱める。
Lower the volume.