Translation guide
The English verb 'dilute' means to make a liquid weaker by adding water or another liquid, or metaphorically to weaken the force or quality of something. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 薄める (usumeru) for liquids, and 薄める or 和らげる (yawarageru) for abstract things. The choice depends on what is being diluted.
To make a liquid (drink, chemical, etc.) weaker or less concentrated by adding water or another liquid.
The standard transitive verb for diluting a liquid. Used for drinks, paint, chemicals, etc.
This juice is too strong, so please dilute it with water.
I used thinner to dilute the paint.
Often used for diluting alcoholic drinks with water, soda, etc. Implies mixing with something else.
Dilute whiskey with water.
I drink shochu diluted with soda.
Technical term used in chemistry, medicine, or formal contexts. Not used in everyday conversation.
Please dilute this solution 10 times.
To make something less strong, powerful, or effective, such as an argument, impact, or flavor.
Can be used metaphorically for weakening an effect, flavor, or quality.
I was careful not to dilute the flavor of the spices.
Means to soften, lessen, or mitigate. Used for abstract things like impact, tension, or harshness.
Directly means 'to weaken'. Can be used when dilution leads to weakening of effect.
In finance, to reduce the value of shares or ownership percentage by issuing more shares.
薄める is the general term for diluting any liquid. 割る is specifically for mixing drinks, especially alcohol, with another liquid. 割る is more casual and common in daily conversation about drinks.
Dilute juice with water.
Dilute shochu with hot water.
When 'dilute' is used metaphorically (e.g., dilute an argument), directly translating as 薄める may sound unnatural. Consider 和らげる or 弱める depending on context.
His criticism diluted the focus of the argument.
His joke diluted the tension in the room.
証拠が不十分で、彼の主張は弱められた。
The lack of evidence diluted his argument.
増資によって一株当たりの価値が薄まった。
The value per share was diluted due to the capital increase.