Translation guide
The act of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and nouns depending on what is being mitigated (damage, risk, symptoms, punishment, etc.).
To lessen the impact of something harmful, such as disaster damage, environmental impact, or side effects.
A common noun/verb meaning reduction or mitigation of burden, damage, risk, etc. Often used in formal and technical contexts.
to mitigate damage
to strive for risk mitigation
Mitigation in the sense of easing or alleviating something like pain, stress, traffic congestion, or regulations. Often used for abstract or systemic relief.
to alleviate pain
mitigation of traffic congestion
Reduction or mitigation, often used in technical or environmental contexts (e.g., CO2 emissions, noise). Implies lowering a measurable quantity.
to mitigate noise
Suppression or control, often used for mitigating the spread of something (e.g., disease, fire) or curbing growth.
to mitigate the spread of infection
To make a punishment less severe, such as in legal contexts.
To soften the impact of what you say, often to avoid offense or to be polite.
Japanese often mitigates statements by using vague or indirect language. Instead of a direct negative, use hedges.
That might be a bit difficult. (mitigating a refusal)
I don't think it's very good. (mitigated criticism)
To soften or tone down one's words or tone.
Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or enhance sinks.
軽減 is often used for reducing tangible burdens like costs, damage, or workload. 緩和 is used for easing conditions like pain, stress, or congestion. However, they overlap in many contexts.
to reduce burden
to relieve stress
The English word 'mitigation' is often translated directly as 緩和 or 軽減, but in many everyday situations, Japanese uses more specific verbs like 減らす (reduce), 抑える (suppress), or 和らげる (soften). Choose the word that fits the specific context.
Legal term for taking extenuating circumstances into consideration to mitigate punishment.
to grant mitigation due to extenuating circumstances
to mitigate the expression
to advance global warming mitigation