ichidan verb, transitive verb
Physical loosening: making something less tight, such as a rope, belt, or screw. Antonym: 締める (to tighten).
Antonyms: 締める
ネクタイを緩める。
I loosen my necktie.
ねじが緩んでいるから、緩
The screw is loose, so I loosen it to adjust.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
relax (attention, guard); let down (one's guard); ease (tension)
Metaphorical loosening: relaxing one's focus, vigilance, or mental tension. Often used with 気を緩める or 警戒を緩める.
試験が終わって気を緩めた。
After the exam, I let my guard down.
警戒を緩めずにパトロールを続けた。
They continued patrolling without relaxing their vigilance.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
relax (a rule); ease (restrictions); loosen (control)
Used for making regulations, conditions, or control less strict. Common with 規制, 制限, 条件, etc.
政府は輸入規制を緩める方針だ。
The government plans to ease import restrictions.
条件を緩めて、より多くの人が参加できるようにした。
They relaxed the conditions so that more people could participate.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
reduce (speed); slow down; ease up
Specifically for decreasing speed or pace. Often used with スピード, 速度, or ペース.
カーブの手前でスピードを緩めた。
I slowed down before the curve.
仕事のペースを少し緩めよう。
Let's ease up on the work pace a little.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
make more gradual (slope)
Used for making a slope gentler or less steep. Common in engineering or landscaping contexts with 勾配 or 傾斜.
坂の勾配を緩めて、自転車でも登りやすくした。
They made the slope more gradual so that it's easier to climb by bicycle.