クッション
Meanings
1
A soft padded object for sitting, leaning, or resting on, such as a sofa cushion or floor cushion.
The sofa cushions have started to lose their shape.
I use a cushion when sitting on the floor.
2
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.
They took measures to cushion the impact before the price increase.
His remark acted as a buffer and eased the atmosphere.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉にクッションを置くto place a cushion somewhere
I placed a cushion on the sofa.
- 〈事〉のクッションになるto act as a buffer or cushion against something (softening its impact)
That one remark served as a cushion between the two of them.
- クッションを敷くto lay down a cushion (to sit or lean on)
I laid a cushion on the floor and sat on it.
- クッション役を果たすto play the role of a mediator/buffer
He acts as a buffer between the boss and his subordinates.