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.
被害を軽減する
to mitigate damage
リスクの軽減に努める
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.
Reduction or mitigation, often used in technical or environmental contexts (e.g., CO2 emissions, noise). Implies lowering a measurable quantity.
騒音を低減する
to mitigate noise
Suppression or control, often used for mitigating the spread of something (e.g., disease, fire) or curbing growth.
感染拡大を抑制する
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.
それはちょっと難しいかもしれません。
That might be a bit difficult. (mitigating a refusal)
あまり良くないと思います。
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.
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.
情状酌量を認める
to grant mitigation due to extenuating circumstances
表現を和らげる
to mitigate the expression