expression, godan verb (-mu)
relax one's mind; feel at ease
Describes a positive release of mental tension or vigilance, often after a period of stress or effort.
試験が終わって、やっと気が緩んだ。
After the exam was over, I finally felt relaxed.
温泉に入ると気が緩む。
Soaking in a hot spring makes me feel at ease.
expression, godan verb (-mu)
become careless; let one's guard down
Often used in negative contexts where relaxation leads to mistakes, negligence, or lack of attention.
気が緩んで、うっかりミスをしてしまった。
I let my guard down and made a careless mistake.
勝ったからといって気が緩んではいけない。
Just because we won, we must not let our guard down.