軽くする
This Japanese verb means to make something lighter, easier, or less severe.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 軽くする. It means 'to make light' or 'to make easy.' Imagine you have a big, heavy box. You want to make it 軽くする, so you take some things out. Or, if you feel a little sad, talking to a friend can 軽くする your heart. It's about making things less heavy or difficult. You can use it for bags, feelings, or even problems!
The verb 軽くする (karuku suru) is used when you want to say you are making something lighter or easier. For example, if your backpack is too heavy, you can 軽くする it by taking out some books. If someone is worried, you can say something nice to 軽くする their mind. It's a useful verb for talking about reducing weight, burden, or seriousness. Think of making a heavy load lighter or a difficult situation less severe.
軽くする (karuku suru) is a versatile Japanese verb meaning 'to lighten,' 'to ease,' or 'to make less severe.' It applies to both physical and abstract concepts. You might use it to describe making a physical object lighter, like 軽くする a bag (カバンを軽くする). It's also frequently used for emotional relief, such as 心を軽くする (kokoro o karuku suru - to lighten one's heart/mind), when you feel less worried. Furthermore, it can mean making a task, problem, or even a punishment less burdensome or intense.
The verb 軽くする (karuku suru) signifies the act of reducing the weight, burden, intensity, or severity of something. Its application spans physical, emotional, and situational contexts. Physically, one might 軽くする a load (荷物を軽くする). Emotionally, it's used to express relief from worry or stress, as in 心を軽くする (kokoro o karuku suru). Situationally, it can refer to mitigating the impact of a problem, easing regulations, or even lessening the severity of a penalty (刑を軽くする). Understanding the context is key to grasping its precise nuance, as it moves from literal lightness to metaphorical ease.
軽くする (karuku suru) is a multifaceted verb denoting the reduction of weight, burden, intensity, or severity. Its semantic range extends from the literal, such as 軽くする a physical load (荷物を軽くする), to the figurative, like 心を軽くする (kokoro o karuku suru) – alleviating mental anguish or anxiety. It can also imply mitigating the impact of negative circumstances, such as 負担を軽くする (futan o karuku suru - to lighten the burden) or reducing the severity of a legal sentence (刑を軽くする). The choice of object often clarifies the specific application, ranging from tangible items to abstract burdens and judgments.
The verb 軽くする (karuku suru) encapsulates the concept of diminishing weight, pressure, intensity, or gravity. Its etymological roots in 軽い (karui - light, easy) provide a foundation for its broad semantic field. Beyond the physical act of reducing mass (e.g., 荷物を軽くする), it extends to psychological and emotional states, signifying the release of mental burdens (心を軽くする). In socio-legal contexts, it can denote the mitigation of penalties (刑を軽くする) or the easing of administrative requirements (規制を軽くする). The verb's utility lies in its capacity to articulate a reduction in negative impact, whether tangible or intangible, from minor inconveniences to significant hardships. Its idiomatic use, particularly with 心 (kokoro), highlights its deep integration into expressing states of relief and well-being.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Means 'to lighten', 'to ease', or 'make less severe'.
- Applies to physical weight, emotional burdens, and situations.
- Common phrases include 心を軽くする (lighten heart) and 負担を軽くする (lighten burden).
- It's a versatile 'suru' verb used across many contexts.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 軽くする (karuku suru). At its heart, this phrase means 'to lighten,' 'to ease,' or 'to make less severe.' Think of it as the action of taking away some of the heaviness or difficulty from something. It's a versatile expression that pops up in all sorts of situations, from making a physical object lighter to easing someone's worries or even just making a task less demanding.
We often use 軽くする when we want to talk about reducing the impact or intensity of something. For instance, you might 軽くする the load on your shoulders by taking some items out of a bag. Or, you could 軽くする someone's anxiety by offering a comforting word. It can also refer to making a judgment or criticism less harsh. So, whether it's about physical weight, emotional burden, or the severity of a situation, 軽くする is your go-to verb for making things a bit easier!
The verb 軽くする is formed by combining the adverbial form of the adjective 軽い (karui), which means 'light' or 'easy,' with the verb する (suru), meaning 'to do.' So, literally, it translates to 'to do lightly' or 'to make light.' The adjective 軽い itself has ancient roots, tracing back to Old Japanese. Its core meaning has always revolved around a lack of weight or a lack of seriousness.
Over time, as the Japanese language evolved, the combination 軽くする became a standard way to express the concept of reducing burden or intensity. It’s a very direct and logical construction, which likely contributed to its widespread adoption. Unlike some words with complex etymological journeys, 軽くする remains quite transparent in its meaning. Its usage reflects a fundamental human desire to alleviate hardship, whether physical or metaphorical. You can see similar constructions in other languages, where an adjective or adverb is paired with a 'doing' verb to create a new verb, highlighting a universal linguistic pattern.
軽くする is a fantastic verb to have in your Japanese toolkit because it's used in so many contexts! You'll often hear it when people are talking about physical actions. For example, you might 軽くする a bag by removing some items, or 軽くする your posture by sitting up straight. It's also very common in emotional or psychological contexts. Offering words of comfort to a friend who is worried? You're trying to 軽くする their heart (心を軽くする - kokoro o karuku suru).
When it comes to tasks or situations, 軽くする can mean making something less difficult or less serious. If a teacher simplifies an explanation, they might be trying to 軽くする the students' understanding of a complex topic. Similarly, if a government eases certain regulations, they are trying to 軽くする the burden on businesses. It's a versatile verb that bridges the gap between the physical and the abstract. Common collocations include 心を軽くする (to lighten one's heart/mind), 負担を軽くする (to lighten the burden), and 刑を軽くする (to reduce a sentence).
While 軽くする itself is quite direct, it features in expressions that add a layer of nuance. The most prominent is 心を軽くする (kokoro o karuku suru), which means 'to lighten one's heart' or 'to ease one's mind.' This is used when someone feels relieved of worry or stress. For example, talking to a trusted friend can 心を軽くする.
Another related idea is found in phrases that imply making something less impactful. While not direct idioms, expressions like 軽く受け止める (karuku uketomeru - to take something lightly) use the 'light' concept to mean not taking something too seriously. Conversely, 重く受け止める (omoku uketomeru - to take something heavily/seriously) is its opposite. Though 軽くする itself isn't a part of many distinct idiomatic phrases, its core meaning of 'making lighter' permeates various expressions related to relief, ease, and reduced severity.
軽くする (karuku suru) is a Group 3 verb, also known as an irregular or 'suru' verb. This means it conjugates in a predictable way, often by changing する (suru) to its various forms. For example, the past tense is 軽くした (karuku shita), the negative is 軽くしない (karuku shinai), and the potential form is 軽くできる (karuku dekiru - can make lighter).
The pronunciation is straightforward. Break it down: か (ka), る (ru), く (ku), す (su), る (ru). The stress is fairly even across the syllables, with a slight emphasis perhaps on the 'ka' and 'su'. In terms of IPA, it's roughly /kaɾɯkɯ ɕɯɾɯ/. Rhyming words are tricky as Japanese pronunciation is syllable-based, but words ending in '-ru' like 'aru' or 'miru' share the final sound. Common pronunciation pitfalls for learners might include not clearly distinguishing the 'r' sound (which is often a flap, similar to the 'tt' in 'butter' in American English) or misplacing stress if they're used to English patterns.
Fun Fact
The concept of 'lightness' as a positive attribute, implying ease and lack of burden, is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, reflected in art, philosophy, and everyday language.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'kah-roo-koo shoo-roo', with relatively even stress on each syllable.
Similar to UK pronunciation, the 'r' sound is a flap, and the stress is distributed evenly.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'r' sound too strongly like an English 'r'. It should be a light flap.
- Adding unnecessary stress to certain syllables, making it sound unnatural.
- Confusing the 'u' sound (like 'oo' in 'book') with a longer 'ū' sound.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in simple contexts, but nuances can be tricky.
Straightforward to use in basic sentences, but choosing the right context requires practice.
Pronunciation is manageable, but using it naturally in various situations takes time.
Commonly heard, but distinguishing its exact meaning requires attention to context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Te-form Verb Conjugation
話して軽くする (hanashite karuku suru - to lighten by talking)
Using を (o) as a direct object marker
心<strong>を</strong>軽くする (kokoro <strong>o</strong> karuku suru)
Suru-verb Conjugation
軽くしました (karuku shimashita - made lighter)
Examples by Level
カバンを軽くする。
bag-ACC lighten-do.
The particle を (o) marks the direct object.
心配を軽くする。
worry-ACC lighten-do.
心配 (shinpai) means worry.
これを軽くする。
this-ACC lighten-do.
これ (kore) means 'this'.
少し軽くする。
a little lighten-do.
少し (sukoshi) means 'a little'.
重い箱を軽くする。
heavy box-ACC lighten-do.
重い (omoi) means 'heavy'.
気持ちを軽くする。
feeling-ACC lighten-do.
気持ち (kimochi) means 'feeling'.
宿題を軽くする。
homework-ACC lighten-do.
宿題 (shukudai) means 'homework'.
話して軽くする。
talk-and lighten-do.
The て-form (hanashite) connects actions.
この荷物を少し軽くしてください。
this-GEN baggage-ACC a little lighten-do-PLEASE.
〜てください (te kudasai) is a polite request.
友達と話して、彼の心配を軽くした。
friend-with talk-and, his worry-ACC lighten-do-PAST.
The 〜て (te) form connects clauses.
重いコートを脱いで、体を軽くする。
heavy coat-ACC take off-and, body-ACC lighten-do.
脱いで (nuide) is the te-form of 脱ぐ (nugu - to take off).
会議の資料を軽くまとめた。
meeting-GEN material-ACC lightly summarize-PAST.
軽く (karuku) here acts as an adverb meaning 'briefly' or 'lightly'.
気分を軽くするために、散歩に行った。
mood-ACC lighten-do-PURPOSE, walk-ACC go-PAST.
〜ために (tame ni) means 'in order to'.
この仕事は、そんなに難しくないから、すぐ軽くできるよ。
this work-TOP, that much difficult-not because, soon lighten-can-INFORMAL.
〜できる (dekiru) indicates ability.
彼の話を聞いて、心が軽くなった。
his story-ACC listen-and, heart-NOM lighten-become-PAST.
〜くなった (ku natta) indicates a change of state.
もっと楽に、負担を軽くしましょう。
more easily, burden-ACC lighten-do-LET'S.
〜ましょう (mashou) is a suggestion.
この荷物は重すぎるので、いくつか取り出して軽くする必要がある。
this-GEN baggage-TOP too heavy-so, several take out-and lighten-do-NECESSITY EXIST.
〜する必要がある (hitsuyou ga aru) means 'there is a need to'.
友人の悩みを聞いて、彼の心を少しでも軽くしてあげたい。
friend-GEN worry listen-and, his heart-ACC even a little lighten-do-want.
〜てあげたい (te agetai) expresses a desire to do something for someone.
新しいシステムを導入することで、作業の負担を軽くすることができる。
new system-ACC introduce-do-by, work-GEN burden-ACC lighten-do-can.
〜ことで (koto de) indicates the means or method.
彼は裁判で、減刑を求めて刑を軽くしてもらおうとした。
he-TOP court-in, sentence reduction-ACC seek-and sentence-ACC lighten-do-receive-try-PAST.
刑を軽くする (kei o karuku suru) means 'to lighten a sentence'.
この説明は専門的すぎるので、もっと一般の人向けに内容を軽くする必要がある。
this explanation-TOP specialized-too-so, more general people-for content-ACC lighten-do-NECESSITY EXIST.
〜向け (muke) means 'for' or 'aimed at'.
軽い運動で体をリフレッシュし、気分を軽くする。
light exercise-by body-ACC refresh-and, mood-ACC lighten-do.
リフレッシュする (rifuresshu suru) is a loanword for 'to refresh'.
過去の失敗にとらわれず、前向きに考え、心を軽くしよう。
past-GEN failure-in be caught-not, forward-looking-ly think-and, heart-ACC lighten-do-LET'S.
前向きに (maemuki ni) means 'positively' or 'forward-looking'.
このソフトウェアを使えば、複雑な計算をかなり軽くできます。
this software-ACC use-if, complex calculation-ACC considerably lighten-do-can.
かなり (kanari) means 'considerably' or 'quite'.
重い責任から一時的に解放されることで、彼は精神的な負担を軽くすることができた。
heavy responsibility-from temporarily release-do-by, he-NOM mental-GEN burden-ACC lighten-do-can-PAST.
精神的な負担 (seishinteki na futan) means 'mental burden'.
政府は、中小企業への規制をいくつか緩和し、事業運営を軽くしようとしている。
government-TOP, small and medium enterprises-to regulations-ACC several ease-and, business operation-ACC lighten-do-try-do-ing.
規制を緩和する (kisei o kanwa suru) is similar to easing regulations.
彼の軽率な発言は、状況をさらに悪化させ、事態を軽くするどころか、複雑にしてしまった。
his rash remark-TOP, situation-ACC further worsen-cause, situation-ACC lighten-do-far from, complicate-do-PAST.
〜どころか (dokoro ka) means 'far from' or 'instead of'.
長年の懸念事項について上司と話し合った結果、彼の心は大きく軽くなった。
long-standing concern-matters-about boss-with discuss-PAST result, his heart-TOP greatly lighten-become-PAST.
懸念事項 (kenen jikou) means 'matters of concern'.
このマニュアルは、初心者でも理解しやすいように、専門用語を避け、内容をかなり軽くしてあります。
this manual-TOP, beginner-even understand easy-as, technical terms-ACC avoid-and, content-ACC considerably lighten-do-exist.
〜してあります (shite arimasu) indicates a state resulting from an action.
彼は、自身の過ちを認め、社会的な制裁を軽くしてもらおうと努力した。
he-TOP, his own mistakes-ACC admit-and, social sanctions-ACC lighten-do-receive-try-do-PAST.
制裁 (seisai) means 'sanctions' or 'punishment'.
その作家は、人生の苦悩をユーモアを交えて描き、読者の心を軽くする物語を紡いだ。
that writer-TOP, life-GEN suffering-ACC humor-ACC mix-and draw-and, reader-GEN heart-ACC lighten-do-story-ACC spun.
紡ぐ (tsumugu) means 'to spin' or 'to weave' (a story).
この新しい会計ソフトは、経理担当者の作業負荷を大幅に軽くしてくれるだろう。
this new accounting software-TOP, accounting staff-GEN work load-ACC significantly lighten-do-will-PROBABLY.
経理担当者 (keiri tantousha) means 'accounting staff'.
現代社会における情報過多は、人々の精神的負担を増大させる一因となっており、それをいかに軽くするかが課題となっている。
modern society-in information overload-TOP, people-GEN mental burden-ACC increase-cause one cause-become-and, it-ACC how lighten-do-it-NOM challenge-become-exist.
情報過多 (jouhou kata) means 'information overload'.
彼は、自身の過去の不祥事について公に謝罪することで、世論の厳しい目を少しでも軽くしようと試みた。
he-TOP, his own past-GEN scandal-about publicly apologize-do-by, public opinion-GEN strict eyes-ACC even a little lighten-do-try-PAST.
不祥事 (fushouji) means 'scandal' or 'misconduct'.
この芸術作品は、鑑賞者に日常の重圧から一時的に解放させ、心を軽くする効果を持つ。
this art work-TOP, viewer-to daily-GEN pressure-from temporarily release-cause, heart-ACC lighten-do-effect-ACC possess.
鑑賞者 (kanshousha) means 'viewer' or 'appreciator'.
企業は、従業員のワークライフバランスを改善し、過重な労働負担を軽くするための施策を講じる必要がある。
company-TOP, employee-GEN work-life balance-ACC improve-and, excessive work load-ACC lighten-do-for measures-ACC take-do-NECESSITY EXIST.
ワークライフバランス (waaku raifu baransu) is a loanword for 'work-life balance'.
判決においては、被告人の反省の度合いや更生の可能性を考慮し、刑を軽くすることが認められる場合がある。
judgment-in-TOP, defendant-GEN remorse-GEN degree-and rehabilitation-GEN possibility-ACC consider-and, sentence-ACC lighten-do-thing-ACC recognized-become-case EXIST.
更生 (kousei) means 'rehabilitation' or 'reformation'.
その著者は、複雑な社会問題を平易な言葉で解説し、読者の理解を助け、知的な隔たりを軽くすることに成功した。
that author-TOP, complex social problems-ACC plain language-in explain-and, reader-GEN understanding-ACC help-and, intellectual gap-ACC lighten-do-thing-in succeed-PAST.
隔たり (hedatari) means 'gap' or 'discrepancy'.
長引く不況の影響を軽くするため、政府は新たな景気刺激策を発表した。
long-lasting recession-GEN impact-ACC lighten-do-for, government-TOP new economic stimulus package-ACC announce-PAST.
景気刺激策 (keiki shigeki saku) means 'economic stimulus package'.
彼は、長年の友人に対して、過去の誤解を解き、わだかまりを軽くするための誠実な対話を試みた。
he-TOP, long-time friend-towards, past-GEN misunderstanding-ACC resolve-and, lingering resentment-ACC lighten-do-for sincere dialogue-ACC try-PAST.
わだかまり (wadakamari) means 'lingering resentment' or 'unresolved feelings'.
現代のグローバル社会においては、文化的な摩擦や誤解が生じやすく、相互理解を深め、それらを如何に軽くするかが国際関係における喫緊の課題である。
modern-GEN global society-in-TOP, cultural friction-and misunderstanding-ACC arise easily, mutual understanding-ACC deepen-and, them-ACC how lighten-do-it-NOM international relations-in urgent issue-EXIST.
喫緊の課題 (kikkin no kadai) means 'urgent issue' or 'pressing matter'.
その哲学者は、実存的不安の重荷を軽くするためには、自己の内面と向き合い、意味への探求を怠らないことが肝要だと説いた。
that philosopher-TOP, existential anxiety-GEN heavy load-ACC lighten-do-for-TOP, self-GEN inner self-with face-and, meaning-towards inquiry-ACC neglect-not-thing-NOM crucial-EXIST-do-PAST-teach.
実存的不安 (jitsuzonteki fuan) means 'existential anxiety'.
芸術療法は、トラウマ体験によって生じた精神的な傷跡を癒し、患者の心理的負担を軽減し、人生の質を向上させることを目的として、その効果が広く認識されている。
art therapy-TOP, trauma experience-by arise-do-do-mental-GEN scars-ACC heal-and, patient-GEN psychological burden-ACC reduce-and, life-GEN quality-ACC improve-do-thing-ACC aim-do-do-do, its effect-NOM widely recognized-exist.
芸術療法 (geijutsu ryouhou) means 'art therapy'.
法制度においては、累犯者であっても、その後の更生への顕著な努力や社会貢献を考慮に入れ、情状酌量により刑を軽くすることが許容される場合がある。
legal system-in-TOP, repeat offender-even-if, that after rehabilitation-towards remarkable effort-and social contribution-ACC consider-enter-and, circumstances-consideration-by sentence-ACC lighten-do-thing-NOM permitted-become-case EXIST.
情状酌量 (joujou shakuryou) means 'consideration of circumstances' or 'leniency'.
彼は、長年にわたる社会貢献活動を通じて、地域社会からの信頼を回復し、過去の過ちに対する批判的な視線を和らげ、自らの社会的評価を軽くすることに成功した。
he-TOP, long years-over social contribution activities-through-out, local community-from trust-ACC recover-and, past-GEN mistakes-towards critical gaze-ACC soften-and, self-GEN social evaluation-ACC lighten-do-thing-in succeed-PAST.
和らげる (yawarageru) means 'to soften' or 'to alleviate'.
この文学作品は、人間の存在意義に対する根源的な問いを投げかけつつも、巧みな筆致でそれを軽やかに描き出し、読者に思索の余地を与え、精神的な解放感をもたらす。
this literary work-TOP, human-GEN existence meaning-towards fundamental question-ACC throw-cast-even-if, skillful writing style-with it-ACC lightly draw-out, reader-to contemplation-GEN room-ACC give-and, mental sense of freedom-ACC bring-do.
思索 (shisaku) means 'contemplation' or 'meditation'.
経済政策の立案においては、急激なインフレのリスクを抑制しつつ、持続的な経済成長を達成するために、物価上昇の圧力をいかに軽くするかが重要な論点となる。
economic policy-GEN planning-in-TOP, rapid inflation-GEN risk-ACC suppress-while, sustainable economic growth-ACC achieve-for-purpose, price increase-GEN pressure-ACC how lighten-do-it-NOM important point-become-exist.
物価上昇 (bukka joushou) means 'price increase' or 'inflation'.
彼は、自己啓発書に傾倒するあまり、現実逃避に陥る危険性を指摘し、真の精神的充足は、困難に立ち向かい、それを乗り越えることでしか得られないと主張し、読者の認識を改めさせようとした。
he-TOP, self-help books-in incline-do-too much, reality escape-in fall-danger-ACC point-out-and, true mental satisfaction-TOP, hardship-in confront-and, it-ACC overcome-do-by-only obtain-cannot-do-do-do-claim-and, reader-GEN perception-ACC change-cause-try-PAST.
現実逃避 (genjitsu touhi) means 'escapism' or 'avoiding reality'.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"心を軽くする"
To ease one's mind, to relieve worry or stress, to feel lighter emotionally.
悩みを打ち明けたら、心が軽くなった。
neutral"肩の荷が下りる"
To feel relieved of a heavy burden or responsibility.
プロジェクトが完了し、ようやく肩の荷が下りた。
neutral"一息つく"
To take a break, to rest for a moment, often implying a temporary easing of effort.
忙しい合間に一息つこう。
casual"楽にする"
To make something easier, more comfortable, or to relieve pain.
痛む箇所を楽にしてあげてください。
neutral"重荷を下ろす"
Similar to '肩の荷が下りる', to put down a heavy burden, implying relief from stress or responsibility.
長年の心配事がなくなり、重荷を下ろした心地だ。
neutral"気楽に構える"
To take things easy, to be carefree, not to worry too much.
試験の結果はまだわからないから、気楽に構えていよう。
casualEasily Confused
Shares the kanji 軽 (light) and sounds somewhat similar.
軽くする means 'to make lighter' (physically or metaphorically). 軽視する means 'to underestimate', 'to make light of' in the sense of not taking something seriously, often negatively.
彼の意見を軽くする (Incorrect: To lighten his opinion) vs. 彼の意見を軽視する (Correct: To underestimate his opinion).
Shares the kanji 軽 (light) and has a similar syllable structure.
軽くする means 'to lighten' or 'ease'. 軽蔑する means 'to despise', 'to look down on', which is a strong negative emotion.
彼の心を軽くする (To lighten his heart) vs. 彼を軽蔑する (To despise him).
Both relate to making things 'easier' or 'less difficult'.
軽くする focuses on reducing weight, burden, or intensity. 楽にする focuses more on comfort, ease, or relieving pain/discomfort.
重い荷物を軽くする (Lighten the heavy luggage) vs. 疲れた足を楽にする (Make tired feet comfortable).
Both can imply reduction or dilution.
薄める literally means 'to dilute' (like a liquid) or 'to fade' (like color). 軽くする is about reducing weight, burden, or severity.
コーヒーを薄める (Dilute the coffee) vs. 心配を軽くする (Ease worries).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 軽くする
荷物<strong>を</strong>軽くする。
Adverb + 軽くする
少し<strong>軽く</strong>する。
Verb (te-form) + 軽くする
話<strong>して</strong>軽くする。
Noun + が + 軽く(なり)ました
心配<strong>が</strong>軽くなり<strong>ました</strong>。
Noun + を + 軽く + する + こと
負担<strong>を軽くする</strong>こと<strong>が</strong>大切だ。
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Verwandt
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
While 軽くする can sometimes imply easing pain, 和らげる is more precise for medical contexts.
These two verbs sound somewhat similar but have completely opposite meanings. 軽蔑する is a negative action.
軽くする implies making something less severe, not necessarily fully resolving it.
Remember that 軽くする is an irregular 'suru' verb, so its conjugations follow the pattern of する (shi-masu, shi-ta, shi-nai).
軽視する has a specific meaning of underestimating or not taking something seriously.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'car' (かる) that is 'cool' (く) and you 'surely' (する) want to lighten its load to make it go faster. Connect the sounds to the action of lightening.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for it when people talk about sharing problems ('Let me tell you, it will lighten your heart'), packing for trips ('I need to lighten my luggage'), or discussing legal matters ('They might lighten the sentence').
Cultural Insight
The emphasis on 'lightness' (軽さ) in Japanese culture often relates to efficiency, grace, and emotional well-being. 軽くする embodies this desire to reduce unnecessary weight or stress.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember it's a 'suru' verb! This means its conjugations are predictable: just change 'suru' to 'shita', 'shinai', 'dekiru', etc.
Say It Right
Focus on the light 'flap r' sound (like the 'tt' in 'butter') and keep the stress even across the syllables: ka-ru-ku su-ru.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid confusing 軽くする (to lighten) with 軽蔑する (keibetsu suru - to despise). They sound similar but mean opposite things!
Did You Know?
The adjective 軽い (karui) is related to the concept of 'ease' and 'triviality,' which is why 軽くする can apply to both physical weight and less serious problems.
Study Smart
Create flashcards with different objects/concepts (bag, worry, burden, sentence) on one side and 軽くする on the other. Practice using it in sentences.
Verb Partner
Often used with the particle を (o) to mark what is being lightened: e.g., 心<strong>を</strong>軽くする.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine 'car' (かる) 'cool' (く) 'shoes' (する) - wearing light shoes makes walking easier!
Visual Association
Picture a person struggling with a heavy backpack, then taking out some items and smiling with relief.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 軽くする in three different sentences today: one for a physical object, one for an emotion, and one for a task.
Wortherkunft
Japanese
Original meaning: To make light (in weight or seriousness). Derived from 軽い (karui - light, easy) + する (suru - to do).
Kultureller Kontext
Generally a positive term, implying helpfulness or improvement. No major sensitivities associated.
In English, we often use 'lighten' for physical weight, but 'ease' or 'alleviate' for burdens or problems. 軽くする covers both.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Travel
- 荷物を軽くする (nimotsu o karuku suru) - to lighten luggage
- 身軽にする (migaru ni suru) - to travel light
- 持ち物を減らして軽くする (mochimono o keshite karuku suru) - to lighten by reducing belongings
Emotional Support
- 心を軽くする (kokoro o karuku suru) - to lighten one's heart
- 話を聞いて軽くする (hanashi o kiite karuku suru) - to lighten by listening
- 心配を軽くする (shinpai o karuku suru) - to ease worries
Work/Tasks
- 負担を軽くする (futan o karuku suru) - to lighten the burden
- 作業を軽くする (sagyou o karuku suru) - to make work lighter
- 仕事を軽くする (shigoto o karuku suru) - to make work easier
Legal/Formal
- 刑を軽くする (kei o karuku suru) - to lighten a sentence
- 罰を軽くする (batsu o karuku suru) - to lessen punishment
- 規制を軽くする (kisei o karuku suru) - to ease regulations
Conversation Starters
"What's something you did recently to 軽くする your day?"
"If you could 軽くする one burden in your life right now, what would it be?"
"How do you usually try to 軽くする your mind when you're stressed?"
"What's the best way to 軽くする someone else's worries?"
"Can you think of a time when you had to 軽くする your luggage for a trip?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you felt a heavy burden. How did you or someone else try to 軽くする it?
Write about a time talking to someone helped 軽くする your feelings. What did they say or do?
Imagine you could 軽くする the rules for something (like school or work). What would you change and why?
Reflect on a physical object you own that feels heavy. How could you 軽くする its presence in your life?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenNot exactly. While it can mean making something easier, its core meaning is 'to make lighter' or 'less severe.' 'To make easy' might be 簡単に (kantan ni) or 容易に (youi ni) する.
軽くする focuses on reducing weight, burden, or intensity. 楽にする focuses more on making something comfortable or easy, like relieving physical discomfort.
Yes, you can use it to 'lighten the mood' or 'break the ice' with a joke, often in phrases like 場を軽くする (ba o karuku suru - to lighten the atmosphere).
You would use 軽視する (keishi suru), which means to underestimate or not take something seriously, often with negative consequences.
Absolutely! It's very common to use 軽くする for physical objects, like making a bag or luggage lighter.
It means to 'lighten one's heart' or 'ease one's mind.' It's used when someone feels relieved of worry, stress, or a heavy emotional burden.
Yes, verbs like 重くする (omoku suru - to make heavy/serious), 増やす (fuyasu - to increase), and 厳しくする (kibishiku suru - to make strict/severe) are antonyms in different contexts.
Yes, especially in contexts discussing the reduction of burdens, risks, or penalties. However, more specific verbs like 軽減する or 和らげる might be preferred depending on the exact nuance.
Teste dich selbst
This bag is too heavy. I need to ______ it.
You need to make the bag lighter, so 'lighten' is the correct word.
What does 軽くする mean when talking about feelings?
When used with feelings, 軽くする means to make them feel lighter or easier, like reducing worry.
You can use 軽くする to describe making a legal sentence less severe.
Yes, 刑を軽くする means to lighten a sentence.
Word
Bedeutung
These are common phrases using 軽くする.
The correct sentence is 'We can lighten this burden.'
話すと、気持ちが______。
Talking often makes one feel lighter emotionally.
Which phrase is NOT a typical use of 軽くする?
While you might dilute a taste (薄める - usumeru), 軽くする isn't typically used for flavor.
The verb 軽くする can only be used for physical lightness.
It is widely used for emotional, psychological, and situational burdens as well.
The correct sentence is 'Need to lighten some items in this bag.'
The government decided to ______ the regulations on small businesses.
Easing regulations is a way to make them less severe or burdensome.
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
軽くする is your go-to verb for making anything feel less heavy, whether it's a backpack or a worry.
- Means 'to lighten', 'to ease', or 'make less severe'.
- Applies to physical weight, emotional burdens, and situations.
- Common phrases include 心を軽くする (lighten heart) and 負担を軽くする (lighten burden).
- It's a versatile 'suru' verb used across many contexts.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'car' (かる) that is 'cool' (く) and you 'surely' (する) want to lighten its load to make it go faster. Connect the sounds to the action of lightening.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for it when people talk about sharing problems ('Let me tell you, it will lighten your heart'), packing for trips ('I need to lighten my luggage'), or discussing legal matters ('They might lighten the sentence').
Cultural Insight
The emphasis on 'lightness' (軽さ) in Japanese culture often relates to efficiency, grace, and emotional well-being. 軽くする embodies this desire to reduce unnecessary weight or stress.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember it's a 'suru' verb! This means its conjugations are predictable: just change 'suru' to 'shita', 'shinai', 'dekiru', etc.
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