緩む en 30 segundos
- Means to become loose or relaxed.
- Used for physical things and emotional states.
- Intransitive: the subject becomes loose.
- Contrast with 緩める (to loosen something).
- Core Meaning
- The verb 緩む (yurumu) fundamentally means to become loose, slack, or relaxed. It is an intransitive verb, meaning the subject itself becomes loose, rather than causing something else to become loose (which would be the transitive verb 緩める - yurumeru). Think of something that was once tight or taut now becoming less so.
- Physical Loosening
- The most common usage refers to physical objects becoming loose. This could be anything from a knot that has loosened, a belt that has become too big, shoelaces that have untied themselves slightly, or even the tension in a string or cable decreasing. For example, if your belt feels too tight after a meal and then loosens up on its own, you could say that it has 緩んだ.
- Emotional and Mental Relaxation
- Beyond the physical, 緩む is also used to describe a state of emotional or mental relaxation. When someone's tension or stress eases, or when a tense atmosphere becomes more relaxed, this verb is applicable. For instance, after a stressful period, you might feel your shoulders 緩む, meaning your tension has eased. Similarly, a serious meeting might eventually 緩む as people become more comfortable.
- Changes in Weather or Conditions
- The word can also describe a softening or lessening of intensity in natural phenomena or conditions. For example, the cold might 緩む, meaning it becomes less severe or warmer. A strict rule might 緩む, becoming less rigid. This usage implies a decrease in strictness or intensity.
- Examples in Context
- You might hear this when talking about clothing: 「ベルトが緩んできたので、穴を一つ開け直しました。」 (The belt has loosened, so I made a new hole.) In terms of mood: 「試験が終わって、みんなの顔が緩んだ。」 (The exams are over, and everyone's faces relaxed.) Or about weather: 「急に寒くなったが、週末には少し気温が緩むらしい。」 (It suddenly got cold, but it seems the temperature will loosen up a bit this weekend.)
ベルトが緩んできたので、穴を一つ開け直しました。 緩んできたので、穴を一つ開け直しました。
試験が終わって、みんなの顔が緩んだ。 緩んだ。
急に寒くなったが、週末には少し気温が緩むらしい。 緩むらしい。
- Physical Loosening of Objects
- The most straightforward use of 緩む is for physical things that become less tight. This includes clothing, fasteners, ropes, and anything held under tension. When describing a situation where something has naturally become loose, or the tension has decreased, 緩む is the appropriate verb. For example, a tightly tied knot might slowly 緩む over time due to movement or moisture. A screw that was tightened might 緩む if not properly secured. This intransitive nature means the object itself is the subject that is experiencing the loosening.
- Easing of Tension and Stress
- When discussing emotional states or the atmosphere of a situation, 緩む signifies a release of tension, stress, or formality. After a period of intense work or worry, one might feel their mind or body 緩む. A tense negotiation can 緩む if both parties find common ground. Even a stern expression can 緩む into a smile. This metaphorical use highlights a transition from a state of tightness or rigidity to one of relaxation and ease.
- Softening of Conditions or Intensity
- 緩む can also describe a decrease in the severity or intensity of conditions, such as weather, rules, or policies. For instance, a very cold day might be followed by a day where the coldness 緩む. Strict regulations might 緩む, becoming less enforced. This usage implies a gradual lessening of something that was previously strict, severe, or intense.
- Grammatical Considerations
- As an intransitive verb, 緩む typically takes the particle が (ga) to mark its subject. For example, 「糸が緩んだ」 (The thread loosened). It can also be used in its various verb conjugations: 緩みます (polite present), 緩んだ (past/plain past), 緩んで (te-form), 緩まない (negative), etc. The te-form, 緩んで, is often used to connect clauses, indicating a sequence of events or a cause-and-effect relationship, such as 「緊張が緩んで、思わず笑ってしまった」 (My tension eased, and I couldn't help but laugh).
- Common Sentence Structures
- Subject + が + 緩む (e.g., 寒さが緩む - The coldness eases). Subject + が + 緩んでいる (e.g., 彼の表情が緩んでいる - His expression is relaxed). Verb (e.g., 緊張する) + ことが + 緩む (e.g., 緊張することが緩む - tension eases).
ネクタイが緩んだので、少し楽になった。 緩んだので、少し楽になった。
会議の後、場の空気が緩んだ。 緩んだ。
冬の厳しさが少し緩むと、春の訪れを感じる。 緩むと、春の訪れを感じる。
- Everyday Conversations about Physical Comfort
- You'll hear 緩む frequently in casual conversations when people talk about their clothing or accessories becoming loose, especially after eating or a long day. Phrases like 「ベルトが緩んできた」 (my belt has loosened) or 「靴紐が緩んだ」 (my shoelaces have loosened) are very common. It's also used when discussing the general fit of clothes that might have stretched or worn out over time.
- Discussions about Stress and Relaxation
- In contexts where people are discussing their mental or emotional states, 緩む is used to describe the easing of tension. After a difficult project, a student might say, 「やっと課題が終わって、肩の力が緩んだよ。」 (Finally, the assignment is over, and the tension in my shoulders has eased.) This is a very relatable expression for anyone who has experienced stress.
- Weather and Seasonal Changes
- When talking about the weather, especially during seasonal transitions, 緩む is often used. For example, people might say 「寒さが緩む」 (the coldness eases) or 「暑さが緩む」 (the heat lessens) to describe a period where the extreme temperatures become more moderate. This often precedes the arrival of a new season.
- Formal Settings and Atmosphere
- In more formal settings, like business meetings or ceremonies, the term can be used to describe a shift from a tense or formal atmosphere to a more relaxed one. For example, 「会議が長引くにつれて、場の空気が徐々に緩んできた。」 (As the meeting dragged on, the atmosphere gradually loosened.)
- Discussions about Rules and Policies
- You might hear 緩む when people discuss a relaxation or softening of rules, regulations, or policies. For instance, 「最近、校則が少し緩んだらしい。」 (It seems the school rules have loosened up a bit recently.) This implies a decrease in strictness.
「あー、お腹いっぱい。ベルトが緩んできた。」 緩んできた。
「やっと週末だ！週末は仕事の緊張が緩む。」 緩む。
「今日の天気は昨日より寒さが緩んでいて、過ごしやすい。」 緩んでいて、過ごしやすい。
- Confusing with 緩める (yurumeru)
- The most frequent mistake is confusing the intransitive verb 緩む (yurumu) with its transitive counterpart 緩める (yurumeru). 緩む means 'to become loose' (intransitive - the subject itself loosens), while 緩める means 'to loosen something' (transitive - the subject causes something else to loosen). For example, saying 「ベルトが緩めた」 (I loosened the belt) is incorrect if you mean the belt became loose on its own. The correct sentence would be 「ベルトが緩んだ」 (The belt loosened). If you are the one doing the loosening, you would say 「ベルトを緩めた」 (I loosened the belt).
- Confusing with 緩やか (yuruyaka)
- Another common error is to confuse the verb 緩む with the adjective 緩やか (yuruyaka), which means 'gradual', 'gentle', or 'lenient'. While the concepts are related, their grammatical functions are different. You cannot say 「ペースが緩む」 (pace becomes gradual) if you mean the pace has slowed down. You would use 緩やか to describe a pace, like 「緩やかなペース」 (a gradual pace). If the pace itself has slowed or become less intense, you might say 「ペースが落ちた」 (the pace dropped) or describe the feeling of relaxation, but 緩む isn't typically used for abstract paces in this way.
- Overusing for 'Relax' in a General Sense
- While 緩む can mean emotional or mental relaxation, it's not a direct synonym for 'to relax' in all contexts. It specifically implies a release of tension or a softening from a previous state of tightness or stress. For example, you wouldn't typically say 「休日に体が緩んだ」 (My body relaxed on the holiday) if you mean you just rested. You might say 「休日に緊張が緩んだ」 (My tension eased on the holiday) or 「休日にリラックスした」 (I relaxed on the holiday) using a loanword. 緩む is more about the *process* of tension easing.
- Incorrect Particle Usage
- Because 緩む is intransitive, it is typically followed by the particle が (ga) when indicating what is becoming loose. Forgetting this and using を (o), which marks the direct object for transitive verbs, would be an error. For instance, 「糸を緩んだ」 is incorrect. It should be 「糸が緩んだ」.
- Using 緩む for Things That Don't Naturally Loosen
- While things can 緩む, it's important to note that it often implies a natural process or a decrease in intended tightness. For instance, you wouldn't say a perfectly constructed wall 緩んだ. It's more for things that have a degree of flexibility or are subject to external forces that might cause them to loosen.
- 緩める (yurumeru) - To loosen (transitive)
- This is the most direct counterpart, but it is transitive. Use 緩める when you are actively making something loose. For example, 「彼はベルトを緩めた。」 (He loosened his belt.) 緩む is when the belt loosens by itself: 「ベルトが緩んだ。」 (The belt loosened.)
- 弛む (tarumu) - To slacken, to loosen (often with a negative connotation)
- While similar to 緩む, 弛む often carries a sense of negative slackening, laziness, or a loss of discipline. For example, 「気を弛む」 (to let one's guard down) or 「たるんだ体」 (a flabby/slack body). 緩む can be neutral or positive (e.g., relaxation), whereas 弛む is more often negative, implying a decline or lack of effort.
- 和らぐ (yawaragu) - To soften, to become mild, to ease
- This word is often used for the softening of conditions, especially weather, or the easing of pain or emotions. For example, 「寒さが和らいだ」 (The cold has softened). It's similar to 緩む when talking about weather becoming less severe, but 和らぐ is more general for softening and easing. 緩む is more specific to the idea of loosening tension or physical slackness.
- 安らぐ (yasuragu) - To feel at ease, to be relieved, to rest
- This is related to emotional relaxation, but 安らぐ focuses more on the feeling of peace and relief. 「心が安らぐ」 (My heart feels at ease). While 緩む can lead to 安らぐ, 緩む is about the release of tension itself, whereas 安らぐ is about the resulting state of peace.
- 緩やか (yuruyaka) - Gradual, gentle, lenient (adjective)
- As mentioned before, this is an adjective and not a verb. It describes a quality of being slow, gentle, or not strict. For example, 「緩やかな坂」 (a gentle slope). It is not a substitute for 緩む.
Comparison: 緩む vs. 緩める
- 糸が緩んだ。(The thread loosened - intransitive)
- 彼は糸を緩めた。(He loosened the thread - transitive)
Comparison: 緩む vs. 弛む
- 運動不足で体が緩んだ。(My body became flabby due to lack of exercise - often implies a negative state)
- 試験が終わって、緊張が緩んだ。(My tension eased after the exam - neutral/positive relaxation)
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The character 緩 itself is a pictogram or ideogram that visually represents the concept of looseness, particularly in relation to threads or ropes. The visual of silk threads, which can easily become tangled or loose, is central to its meaning.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the 'ru' too strongly like an English 'r'.
- Not clearly distinguishing the 'yu' sound.
- Adding extra vowel sounds.
Nivel de dificultad
B1 level. Understanding the core meaning is straightforward, but distinguishing it from similar words like 緩める and 弛む, and grasping its metaphorical uses, requires more nuanced comprehension. Recognizing its intransitive nature is crucial for accurate reading.
B1 level. Correctly using 緩む requires understanding its intransitive nature and choosing the appropriate context for physical loosening, emotional relaxation, or easing of conditions. Avoiding confusion with 緩める and 緩やか is key.
B1 level. Pronunciation is manageable, but natural usage involves applying the correct context and distinguishing it from similar verbs. Understanding when to use the te-form for ongoing changes or connecting clauses is important.
B1 level. Recognizing 緩む in spoken Japanese depends on context. Differentiating it from homophones or similar-sounding words requires attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation.
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Requisitos previos
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Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Intransitive vs. Transitive Verbs
緩む (intransitive - something becomes loose) vs. 緩める (transitive - to loosen something). Example: 糸が緩んだ。(The thread loosened.) vs. 彼は糸を緩めた。(He loosened the thread.)
Using 〜てくる (te-kuru) for gradual change
寒さが緩んできた。(The cold has started to ease.) This indicates a change that is happening over time.
Using 〜ている (te-iru) for state
ベルトが緩んでいる。(The belt is loose.) This describes the current state of being loose.
Using 〜ようだ (youda) for estimation/seeming
このロープは古くなって、少し緩んできたようだ。(This rope has gotten old and seems to have loosened a bit.)
Using 〜につれて (ni tsurete) for simultaneous change
寒さが緩むにつれて、春の訪れを告げる花々が咲き始める。(As the cold eases, flowers announcing the arrival of spring begin to bloom.)
Ejemplos por nivel
ベルトがゆるくなった。
My belt became loose.
Simple past tense of 緩む.
靴のひもがゆるんできた。
My shoelaces have started to loosen.
te-form + くる to indicate a gradual change.
寒さがゆるんできた。
The cold has started to ease.
Subject (coldness) + が + 緩んできた.
顔がゆるんできた。
My face has started to relax.
Subject (face) + が + 緩んできた.
結び目がゆるんだ。
The knot loosened.
Simple past tense of 緩む.
空気のゆるみ。
A loosening of the atmosphere.
Noun form using the stem of the verb.
绳がゆるんできた。
The rope has started to loosen.
Subject (rope) + が + 緩んできた.
緊張がゆるむ。
Tension eases.
Subject (tension) + が + 緩む.
このズボンはウエストが緩んできたので、ベルトが必要です。
These trousers have become loose around the waist, so I need a belt.
Connecting clauses with ので (because).
試験が終わって、みんなの顔が緩んだ。
The exams are over, and everyone's faces relaxed.
Simple past tense, indicating a completed action/state.
冬の寒さが少し緩んできた。
The winter cold has eased a little.
Subject (coldness) + が + 緩んできた.
彼女は緊張が緩んだのを感じた。
She felt her tension ease.
Using のを感じる (to feel that).
ネクタイが緩んでいる。
My tie is loose.
Present continuous state (〜ている).
雨が降って、地面が緩んだ。
It rained, and the ground became soft/loose.
Connecting actions with the te-form.
その言葉を聞いて、彼の表情が緩んだ。
Hearing those words, his expression softened.
Connecting clauses with the te-form.
規則が緩んできた。
The rules have become less strict.
Subject (rules) + が + 緩んできた.
長時間の会議で、参加者の緊張が徐々に緩んできた。
During the long meeting, the participants' tension gradually eased.
Using 徐々に (gradually).
このロープは古くなって、少し緩んできたようだ。
This rope has gotten old and seems to have loosened a bit.
Using 〜ようだ (seems like).
運動不足で体が緩むのを防ぐために、毎日ストレッチをしている。
To prevent my body from becoming flabby due to lack of exercise, I stretch every day.
Using 〜のを防ぐために (in order to prevent).
厳しい寒さが緩むと、野鳥の声が聞こえ始める。
When the severe cold eases, the voices of wild birds begin to be heard.
Using 〜と (when/if).
彼女は、彼が本音を話したのを聞いて、表情が緩んだ。
Hearing him speak his true feelings, her expression softened.
Using 〜のを聞いて (upon hearing).
もしこのネジが緩んだら、すぐに締め直してください。
If this screw loosens, please tighten it immediately.
Conditional sentence using もし〜たら (if).
子供たちは、遊園地に着いて、緊張が緩んだように見えた。
The children looked like their tension had eased upon arriving at the amusement park.
Using 〜ように見えた (seemed like).
最近、会社の規則が少し緩んできた。
Recently, the company rules have become a bit more lenient.
Subject (rules) + が + 緩んできた.
長年の努力が実を結び、彼の表情に安堵の表情が緩んだ。
His years of effort bore fruit, and an expression of relief softened his features.
Describing a subtle change in facial expression.
この古い建築物は、時間の経過とともに構造が緩んできている。
This old building's structure has been loosening over time.
Using 〜てきている (has been doing ~ up to now).
厳しい指導が続いた後、生徒たちの間にわずかな緩みが生まれた。
After strict guidance continued, a slight relaxation emerged among the students.
Using 緩み (noun form) to describe the emergence of relaxation.
寒さが緩むにつれて、春の訪れを告げる花々が咲き始める。
As the cold eases, flowers announcing the arrival of spring begin to bloom.
Using 〜につれて (as/in proportion to).
長年の緊張が緩んだ瞬間、彼は深い眠りに落ちた。
The moment his long-held tension eased, he fell into a deep sleep.
Using 〜た瞬間 (the moment that).
この地域では、過去の厳しい規制が緩んできたため、新しいビジネスが活発になっている。
In this region, new businesses are becoming active because the strict regulations of the past have loosened.
Explaining cause and effect with 〜ため (because).
彼の頑なな態度が、彼女の説得によって少し緩んだ。
His stubborn attitude softened slightly due to her persuasion.
Describing a change in attitude.
長引く交渉の末、両者の間の硬直した雰囲気が緩んだ。
After prolonged negotiations, the rigid atmosphere between the two parties eased.
Describing a shift in atmosphere.
長年の風雨に晒され、古びた橋の構造材が徐々に緩んできていることが判明した。
It was discovered that the structural materials of the old bridge have been gradually loosening due to exposure to wind and rain over many years.
Using 判明した (it was discovered/revealed).
感情の昂ぶりを抑え、彼の言葉遣いは次第に穏やかなものへと緩んでいった。
Suppressing his emotional excitement, his way of speaking gradually softened.
Using 〜へと緩んでいった (gradually softened towards).
長引く経済的困難により、人々の生活への締め付けが緩んできたと見られている。
It is seen that the tightening on people's lives has loosened due to prolonged economic difficulties.
Using 〜と見られている (it is seen that).
厳格な校則が緩んできたことで、生徒たちの創造性が刺激されるようになったという意見もある。
There is also the opinion that students' creativity has come to be stimulated as the strict school rules have loosened.
Using 〜ようになった (has come to be).
長年の緊張状態が緩んだことで、地域社会に新たな交流が生まれ始めた。
With the easing of years of tension, new interactions began to emerge in the local community.
Using 〜ことで (as a result of).
彼の強固な意志も、度重なる困難に直面して、わずかに緩みを見せた。
Even his strong will showed a slight loosening when faced with repeated difficulties.
Using 〜わずかに緩みを見せた (showed a slight loosening).
急激な気温の上昇により、雪解け水が勢いを増し、川の水位が緩んできた。
Due to the rapid rise in temperature, the snowmelt gained momentum, and the river water level has begun to loosen/rise.
Describing a natural phenomenon's effect.
長年の慣習に縛られていた考え方が、新しい世代の登場とともに緩んでいった。
Ways of thinking that were bound by long-standing customs gradually loosened with the emergence of a new generation.
Using 〜とともに (along with).
長年の風雪に耐えてきた古木も、その幹の節々が緩み、生命力の衰えを物語っていた。
Even the ancient tree, which had endured years of wind and snow, showed looseness in its knots and joints, testifying to a decline in vitality.
Describing subtle physical signs of aging.
長年の緊張緩和策が奏功し、国際情勢はかつてないほど緩んだ様相を呈していた。
With years of tension reduction measures proving successful, the international situation presented a semblance of unprecedented looseness.
Using 緩んだ様相を呈していた (presented a semblance of looseness).
彼の芸術作品には、社会の抑圧からの解放を求めるかのように、線が緩み、形態が流動化する傾向が見られた。
In his artworks, lines tended to loosen and forms to become fluid, as if seeking liberation from societal repression.
Describing artistic tendencies and their underlying meaning.
長年の学術的権威も、新たな発見の前にはその厳格さが緩み、柔軟な解釈が求められるようになった。
Even long-held academic authority began to loosen its rigor in the face of new discoveries, demanding more flexible interpretations.
Describing the shift in academic paradigms.
長年の封建的な慣習が緩み、人々の間に個人の自由を求める気運が高まってきた。
Long-standing feudal customs loosened, and a movement demanding individual freedom grew among the people.
Describing a societal shift and rising sentiment.
彼の口調は、当初の威圧的な響きを失い、次第に親しみやすいものへと緩んでいった。
His tone of voice lost its initial intimidating resonance and gradually softened into something more approachable.
Describing a change in vocalization and demeanor.
気候変動による異常気象が頻発し、かつて安定していた自然の均衡が緩み始めている。
Abnormal weather due to climate change is occurring frequently, and the once-stable balance of nature is beginning to loosen.
Describing ecological disruption.
長年の軍事的な緊張が緩んだことで、経済的な協力関係が飛躍的に発展する礎が築かれた。
The loosening of long-standing military tensions laid the foundation for a dramatic development in economic cooperation.
Explaining historical cause and effect.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— To start to become loose or relaxed.
寒さが緩んでくるにつれて、外で過ごす時間が増えた。 (As the cold started to ease, I spent more time outdoors.)
— To become completely loose or slack.
ロープが緩みきって、もう使えない。 (The rope has become completely loose and can no longer be used.)
— Not loose, tight, firm, strict.
彼の経営は緩みがなく、常に効率を追求している。 (His management is not loose; he constantly pursues efficiency.)
— To show signs of loosening or relaxation.
長年の緊張関係に、わずかな緩みが見られた。 (Slight signs of loosening were seen in the long-standing tense relationship.)
— Looseness or relaxation occurs/arises.
管理体制に緩みが生じると、問題が発生しやすい。 (When looseness arises in the management system, problems tend to occur.)
— Tending to become loose or slack.
運動不足だと、体が緩みがちになる。 (If you lack exercise, your body tends to become slack.)
— Completely loose or slack (past tense/adjectival form).
緩みきったベルトはもう役に立たない。 (Completely loose belts are no longer useful.)
— Loosening and tightening; a balance between relaxation and strictness.
リーダーシップには、緩みと引き締めのバランスが大切だ。 (For leadership, a balance between loosening and tightening is important.)
— Easy to become loose.
この素材は緩みやすいので注意が必要です。 (This material is easy to become loose, so caution is needed.)
— A state of being completely loose or slack.
長年の放任で、組織は緩みきった状態になった。 (Due to years of neglect, the organization fell into a state of complete looseness.)
Se confunde a menudo con
This is the transitive verb. 緩む means 'to become loose' (intransitive), while 緩める means 'to loosen something' (transitive). For example, 'My belt loosened' is ベルトが緩んだ, but 'I loosened my belt' is ベルトを緩めた.
While both mean to slacken, 弛む often carries a more negative connotation of laziness, flabbiness, or a loss of discipline, whereas 緩む can be neutral or positive (e.g., relaxation).
This is an adjective meaning 'gradual' or 'gentle', not a verb. You cannot say 'pace 緩む' if you mean 'pace becomes gradual'; you'd use 緩やか to describe the pace, like '緩やかなペース'.
Modismos y expresiones
— To feel tension ease from one's shoulders; to relax after a period of stress.
プロジェクトが無事完了し、皆、肩の力が緩んだ。
Common, everyday— A lapse in vigilance; letting one's guard down.
気の緩みから、大事な書類を紛失してしまった。
Common, often cautionary— One's expression softens or relaxes.
子供の無邪気な質問に、教授の表情も緩んだ。
Common, descriptive— To be constantly vigilant; to have no slack in one's mind.
彼は常に心に緩みがなく、仕事に臨んでいる。
Formal, descriptive of character— A relaxed atmosphere.
パーティーが進むにつれて、部屋の空気は緩んだ。
Common, descriptive— Discipline becomes lax.
リーダーが不在だと、規律が緩みやすい。
Common, often negative— To become flaccid, loose, or relaxed (often used in medical or formal contexts).
筋肉が弛緩し、身体能力が低下した。 (Muscles became flaccid, and physical ability declined.)
Formal, technical— Able to alternate freely between fast and slow, or tense and relaxed.
彼の演奏は緩急自在で、聴衆を魅了した。 (His performance was masterful in its alternation of tempo and intensity, captivating the audience.)
Formal, descriptive of skill— A completely lax management system.
その組織は緩みきった管理体制のため、不正が横行した。 (Due to its completely lax management system, corruption ran rampant in that organization.)
Formal, critical— With a relaxed expression.
彼は緩んだ表情で、訪問者を迎えた。 (He welcomed the visitors with a relaxed expression.)
Common, descriptiveFácil de confundir
Both 緩む and 緩める share the same kanji and relate to the concept of looseness.
緩む is intransitive (the subject becomes loose), while 緩める is transitive (the subject loosens something else). Example: 糸が緩んだ (The thread loosened) vs. 彼は糸を緩めた (He loosened the thread).
ベルトが緩んだ。(My belt loosened.) vs. 彼はベルトを緩めた。(He loosened his belt.)
Both verbs relate to slackening or becoming less tense.
緩む is generally neutral or positive (e.g., relaxation), while 弛む often has negative implications like laziness, flabbiness, or a lapse in discipline. Example: 緊張が緩んだ (Tension eased - positive) vs. 気を弛む (Let one's guard down - negative).
試験が終わって、皆の顔が緩んだ。(Everyone's faces relaxed after the exam.) vs. 気を弛むと、失敗しやすい。(If you let your guard down, you tend to fail.)
Both can describe a lessening of intensity, especially concerning weather or emotions.
緩む specifically implies becoming loose or less taut. 和らぐ means to soften, become mild, or ease, often used for temperature, pain, or emotions. Example: 寒さが緩む (The coldness eases - implies less severity) vs. 寒さが和らぐ (The coldness softens - implies becoming milder). While similar, 緩む is more about tension release.
冬の寒さが緩んできた。(The winter cold has eased.) vs. 痛みが和らいだ。(The pain has eased.)
Shares the same kanji root and relates to the concept of 'not tight'.
緩やか is an adjective meaning 'gradual', 'gentle', or 'lenient'. 緩む is a verb meaning 'to become loose'. You describe a pace as 緩やかなペース (a gradual pace), you don't say 'ペースが緩む' for 'pace becomes gradual'.
この坂は緩やかだ。(This slope is gentle.) vs. 寒さが緩んだ。(The cold has eased.)
Both can describe a state of relaxation or becoming less tight.
ほぐれる is often used for muscles, knots, or tangled things becoming loose and relaxed. It implies untangling or softening. 緩む is broader, covering physical objects, tension, and conditions. Example: 肩がほぐれる (Shoulders relax - specifically muscles) vs. 緊張が緩む (Tension eases - more general).
マッサージで肩がほぐれた。(My shoulders relaxed from the massage.) vs. 試験が終わって、緊張が緩んだ。(Tension eased after the exam.)
Patrones de oraciones
Noun + が + 緩んだ。
ベルトが緩んだ。
Noun + が + 緩んできた。
寒さが緩んできた。
Noun + が + 緩んでいる。
緊張が緩んでいる。
Noun + が + 緩む + とき/と
寒さが緩むと、外に出たくなる。
Noun + が + 緩みを見せた。
彼の態度は、次第に緩みを見せた。
Noun + が + 緩みきる。
ロープが緩みきった。
Noun + が + 緩みを生じさせた。
管理体制の緩みが、問題を生じさせた。
Noun + が + 緩んできた + ように見える/思われる
最近、規制が緩んできたように見える。
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
High
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Using 緩む when you are actively loosening something.
→
Using 緩める.
緩む is intransitive (the subject becomes loose), while 緩める is transitive (the subject loosens something else). Example: ベルトが緩んだ (The belt loosened) vs. ベルトを緩めた (I loosened the belt).
-
Confusing 緩む with 弛む when referring to negative slackness or laziness.
→
Using 弛む for negative connotations.
While both mean 'to slacken', 弛む often implies laziness, flabbiness, or a lapse in discipline (e.g., 気を弛む - let one's guard down). 緩む is more neutral or positive (e.g., tension easing).
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Using 緩む to describe a 'gradual' pace or process.
→
Using 緩やか (yuruyaka).
緩む is a verb meaning 'to become loose'. 緩やか is an adjective meaning 'gradual' or 'gentle'. You describe a pace as 緩やかなペース, not ペースが緩む.
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Using the particle を (o) with 緩む.
→
Using the particle が (ga).
As an intransitive verb, 緩む takes が to mark its subject. Example: 糸が緩んだ (The thread loosened), not 糸を緩んだ.
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Using 緩む to mean 'to relax' in a general sense of resting.
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Using リラックスする (rirakkusu ru) or 休む (yasumu).
緩む specifically implies the easing of tension or tightness. For general relaxation or rest, other words are more appropriate. Example: 'I relaxed on holiday' is 休日、リラックスした or 休日、休んだ, not 休日、緩んだ.
Consejos
Intransitive Nature is Key
Always remember that 緩む is intransitive. The subject of the sentence is what *becomes* loose or relaxed. If you are the one doing the loosening, you need the transitive verb 緩める.
Sound Association
The sound 'yururu' can remind you of something very loose and floppy. Imagine a rubber band that's stretched too much and sounds like 'yururu' when it's loose.
Broader Meanings
Don't limit 緩む to just physical objects. Think of it as a release of tension, be it emotional, atmospheric, or even in the severity of conditions like weather.
Te-form for Change
Use the te-form 緩んで (yurunde) followed by くる (kuru) or いく (iku) to describe a gradual change: 緩んでくる (starting to loosen/relax) or 緩んでいく (gradually loosening/relaxing).
Avoid 弛む for Negative Slackness
While similar, 弛む is often used for negative slackness like laziness or flabbiness. If you mean simple relaxation or easing, 緩む is usually preferred.
Verb vs. Adjective
Remember 緩む is a verb. If you want to describe something as 'gradual' or 'gentle', use the adjective 緩やか (yuruyaka).
Sentence Creation
Create sentences describing different scenarios: a belt loosening, tension easing after a test, or the cold weather becoming milder. This will solidify your understanding of its various uses.
Flap 'ru'
Pay attention to the Japanese 'ru' sound, which is a flap, similar to the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter'. It's not the hard 'r' of English.
Harmony and Ease
The concept of easing tension or strictness aligns with cultural values of harmony and smooth transitions in Japan. Think of it as things settling into a more comfortable state.
ほぐれる for Muscles
For relaxing tense muscles, ほぐれる is often a more specific and natural choice than 緩む, though both can imply relaxation.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a very 'YURU-YURU' (loose-loose) belt that feels like it's about to fall off. The 'yu' sound reminds you of 'yuru' which sounds like 'loose'. The 'ru' sound is repeated, like the slackness is repeated. The 'mu' sound could be the sigh you let out when your belt finally loosens comfortably.
Asociación visual
Picture a tight knot being slowly undone, the ropes becoming slack and hanging loosely. Or imagine a tense person's shoulders visibly dropping and relaxing.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use 緩む in three different sentences: one about clothing, one about emotions, and one about weather. See if you can naturally incorporate the te-form (緩んで) in one of them.
Origen de la palabra
The kanji 緩 is composed of the radical 纟 (silk) and the phonetic component 罕 (rare, infrequent). The silk radical suggests something that can be loosened or unraveled. The phonetic component may have contributed to the pronunciation and perhaps a sense of something not being tightly bound.
Significado original: The character 緩 originally depicted silk threads that were not tightly wound, suggesting looseness or slackness.
Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)Contexto cultural
The word itself is neutral, but its usage can imply a positive outcome (relaxation, comfort) or a negative one (lack of discipline, decay). Context is key.
In English, we have many words for 'loose' or 'relax', but 緩む often captures a specific nuance of 'becoming' loose or relaxed, rather than just 'being' loose. It's the process of transition that's important.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Clothing and Accessories
- ベルトが緩んできた。
- 靴紐が緩んだ。
- ウエストが緩い。
- ネクタイを緩める。
Emotional and Mental States
- 緊張が緩んだ。
- 肩の力が緩んだ。
- 心が緩む。
- 表情が緩んだ。
Weather and Seasons
- 寒さが緩んできた。
- 暖かさが緩む。
- 季節が緩む。
Rules and Policies
- 規則が緩んできた。
- 規制が緩む。
- 管理体制の緩み。
Physical Objects and Structures
- ロープが緩んだ。
- ネジが緩む。
- 結び目が緩む。
- 構造が緩む。
Inicios de conversación
"最近、ベルトが緩んできたんだけど、何か運動でもした方がいいかな？"
"今日の天気、なんだか寒さが緩んできた気がするね。もう春が近いのかも。"
"長かったプロジェクトが終わって、ようやく肩の力が緩んだよ。君は？"
"この服、買った時はちょうど良かったんだけど、洗濯したら少し緩んできたんだ。"
"昔は厳しかったけど、最近は会社の規則も少し緩んできたよね。"
Temas para diario
Describe a time when you felt a significant release of tension. What caused it, and how did it feel when your tension finally eased?
Think about a physical object you own that has become loose over time. Describe it and how its looseness affects its function.
Reflect on a situation where rules or expectations became less strict. What were the consequences, both positive and negative?
Imagine a day where the weather transitions from cold to mild. How does this change in temperature affect your mood and activities?
Describe a time when your initial strictness or rigidity softened. What prompted this change, and what was the outcome?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntas緩む (yurumu) is an intransitive verb meaning something becomes loose or relaxed on its own. For example, 'The belt loosened' is ベルトが緩んだ. 緩める (yurumeru) is its transitive counterpart, meaning to actively loosen something. For example, 'I loosened the belt' is ベルトを緩めた. The key is whether the subject is performing the action or undergoing the change.
Yes, absolutely. 緩む is commonly used to describe the easing of tension, stress, or worry, both for individuals and in atmospheres. For instance, '緊張が緩む' means 'tension eases', and '肩の力が緩む' describes feeling relieved of physical tension.
No, while physical looseness is a primary meaning, 緩む also extends to metaphorical senses. It can describe the softening of strict rules, the easing of severe weather, or the relaxation of a tense atmosphere. The core idea is a transition from a state of tightness or severity to one of looseness or mildness.
Both mean to slacken or loosen. However, 緩む is generally neutral or can be positive (like relaxation), while 弛む often carries a negative connotation, implying laziness, flabbiness, or a loss of discipline. For example, 'tension easing' is 緊張が緩む, but 'letting one's guard down' is 気を弛む.
緩む is a verb, meaning 'to become loose' or 'to relax'. 緩やか is an adjective, meaning 'gradual', 'gentle', or 'lenient'. You use 緩む to describe an action or a change of state, while you use 緩やか to describe a quality. For example, 'The cold eased' is 寒さが緩んだ, but 'a gentle slope' is 緩やかな坂.
The te-form, 緩んで, is often used to connect clauses, indicating a sequence of events or a cause-and-effect relationship. For example, '緊張が緩んで、思わず笑ってしまった' (My tension eased, and I couldn't help but laugh) shows that the easing of tension led to laughter.
Yes, it can be used in more technical contexts to describe the loosening of structural components over time due to wear and tear or environmental factors. For example, '構造材が緩む' (structural materials loosen).
While 緩む can imply a general lack of tightness, for a body becoming less firm or flabby, 弛む (tarumu) is often a more direct and common choice, especially if it carries a negative nuance of being out of shape. For example, '体が弛む' (body becomes flabby).
Think of the 'u' sound in 緩む as representing 'you' (the subject) becoming loose. For 緩める, the 'e' sound in 'meru' could be associated with 'making' something loose (transitive action). Another tip: intransitive verbs often end in 'u' (like 緩む), while transitive verbs often end in 'eru' (like 緩める).
Very common phrases include 'ベルトが緩む' (belt loosens), '緊張が緩む' (tension eases), '寒さが緩む' (coldness eases), '表情が緩む' (expression softens), and '空気が緩む' (atmosphere relaxes).
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Summary
緩む (yurumu) signifies a state of becoming loose or relaxed, applicable to physical objects like belts and knots, as well as abstract concepts like tension and atmosphere. Remember it's intransitive; the subject itself becomes loose.
- Means to become loose or relaxed.
- Used for physical things and emotional states.
- Intransitive: the subject becomes loose.
- Contrast with 緩める (to loosen something).
Intransitive Nature is Key
Always remember that 緩む is intransitive. The subject of the sentence is what *becomes* loose or relaxed. If you are the one doing the loosening, you need the transitive verb 緩める.
Sound Association
The sound 'yururu' can remind you of something very loose and floppy. Imagine a rubber band that's stretched too much and sounds like 'yururu' when it's loose.
Broader Meanings
Don't limit 緩む to just physical objects. Think of it as a release of tension, be it emotional, atmospheric, or even in the severity of conditions like weather.
Te-form for Change
Use the te-form 緩んで (yurunde) followed by くる (kuru) or いく (iku) to describe a gradual change: 緩んでくる (starting to loosen/relax) or 緩んでいく (gradually loosening/relaxing).
Ejemplo
靴ひもが緩んで、結び直した。
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Más palabras de clothing
ベルト
A2Un cinturón que se usa alrededor de la cintura. Por favor, abróchese el cinturón de seguridad.
ブラウス
A2Una blusa, una prenda superior holgada para mujer.
ブーツ
A2Las botas son un tipo de calzado que cubre el pie y parte de la pierna.
着替える
A2Cambiarse de ropa. Me cambio de ropa antes de salir.
ワンピース
A2Un vestido; una prenda de una sola pieza para mujer.
生地
A2Esta tela es perfecta para un vestido de verano.
おしゃれ
A2Elegante, de moda, con estilo. Él siempre se viste con mucho estilo.
派手
A2Ese coche es demasiado llamativo para mi gusto. (Ese coche es 'hade'.)
畳む
A2Doblar la ropa o las mantas.
干す
A2Tender la ropa para que se seque.
