Japanese word

和らげる

Pronunciation

Romajiyawarageru

Meaning

  • verbsoften

Example

その言葉は批判の印象を和らげます。so no koto ba wa hi han no in shō o yawa ra ge ma su

Those words soften the impression of the criticism.

Illustration for 和らげる (soften)

More examples

冗談で場の緊張を和らげました。jō dan de ba no kin chō o yawa ra ge ma shi ta

The joke eased the tension in the room.

Core concept

It changes a strong, severe, or uncomfortable effect into a gentler one.

Common phrases

  • 緊張を和らげるkin chō o yawa ra ge ru

    ease tension

  • 痛みを和らげるita mi o yawa ra ge ru

    relieve pain

  • 批判を和らげるhi han o yawa ra ge ru

    soften criticism

  • 口調を和らげるku chō o yawa ra ge ru

    soften one's tone

  • 影響を和らげるei kyō o yawa ra ge ru

    moderate the impact

Similar words

緩和するkanwasuru: To reduce the severity or intensity of something, often in formal or written contexts.
軽減するkeigensuru: To reduce the amount or impact of a burden, problem, or harmful effect.
ほぐすhogusu: To ease physical or emotional tension and make a tense state more relaxed.

Definition in Japanese

強い刺激や厳しい印象を弱め、穏やかな状態にする。tsuyo i shi geki ya kibi shi i in shō o yowa me oda ya ka na jō tai ni su ru

Word origin

The native verb 和らげる (yawarageru) is closely related to 和らぐ (yawaragu, "to become gentle"), with the transitive form meaning to cause something to become gentler.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, it often describes making criticism, tension, or a refusal easier to receive rather than removing the message itself.

Other meanings

  • relieveverb
  • moderateverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word