noun
A soft padded object for sitting, leaning, or resting on, such as a sofa cushion or floor cushion.
ソファのクッションがへたってきた。
The sofa cushions have started to lose their shape.
床に座るときはクッションを使う。
I use a cushion when sitting on the floor.
noun
buffer; mitigation; softening the blow
Figurative use: something that reduces impact, shock, or harshness, such as a financial buffer, a softening remark, or a protective layer.
値上げの前にクッションとなる措置を取った。
They took measures to cushion the impact before the price increase.
彼の一言がクッションになって、場の空気が和らいだ。
His remark acted as a buffer and eased the atmosphere.