Japanese word

薄める

Pronunciation

Romajiusumeru

Meaning

  • verbdilute

Example

水でスープを薄めます。mizu de sū pu o usu me ma su

I dilute the soup with water.

Illustration for 薄める (dilute)

More examples

この薬は、使用前に水で薄めてください。ko no kusuri wa shi yō mae ni mizu de usu me te ku da sa i

Dilute this medicine with water before use.

Core concept

Makes a liquid, quality, or effect less concentrated or less intense, often by adding another substance.

Common phrases

  • 水で薄めるmizu de usu me ru

    dilute with water

  • 味を薄めるaji o usu me ru

    dilute the flavor

  • スープを薄めるsū pu o usu me ru

    dilute the soup

Similar words

希釈するkishakusuru: To make a liquid less concentrated by adding another substance in a controlled or technical process.
割るwaru: To add water or another liquid to a drink so that it becomes less strong.

Definition in Japanese

液体などに別のものを加えて濃さや強さを減らす。eki tai na do ni betsu no mo no o kuwa e te ko sa ya tsuyo sa o he ra su

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 薄める (usumeru, "to dilute") combines 薄い (usui, "thin") with the verb-forming suffix める (meru, "make").

Usage tips

  • English dilute often focuses on concentration, while 薄める (usumeru) also naturally describes making a flavor, color, sound, or influence less strong.

Other meanings

  • lightenverb
  • weakenverb

Opposites

  • 濃縮するnōshukusuruconcentrateverb

Related words

  • 薄め方usumekataway of dilutingnoun

Word lists with this word