Translation guide
The English phrase "thin out" can refer to reducing density in various contexts, such as plants, hair, crowds, or substances. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To remove some plants so the remaining ones have more space to grow.
The standard verb for thinning out plants or seedlings. It literally means 'pull between'.
I thinned out the radish sprouts.
The noun form of 間引く, used for the act of thinning plants.
If you don't thin them out, the vegetables won't grow big.
To make hair less thick, often by cutting or using thinning shears.
To make a crowd or group less dense by removing some members.
Can be used metaphorically for thinning out people or things, though it may sound somewhat deliberate or systematic.
They thinned out the audience before letting them in.
A general phrase meaning 'reduce the number', suitable for thinning out any group.
To make a liquid less concentrated by adding water or another solvent.
The standard verb for diluting liquids. Note: this is not the same kanji as 'thin out' but is the natural equivalent.
Please thin out this sauce with water before using.
Often used for thinning out paint, ink, or similar substances by adding solvent.
To cut down some trees to improve the health of the forest.
The English word 'thin' can mean slim (痩せている), but 'thin out' is about reducing density. Do not use 痩せる for thinning out objects or groups.
間引く is for solid objects/plants/people (reducing number), while 薄める is for liquids (reducing concentration). Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
We thinned out the number of participants to avoid crowding.
Thin out the paint with water.
杉の木を間引いた。
I thinned out the cedar trees.