To make something that is tight looser; to slacken or loosen (e.g., a belt, screw, knot).
ベルトを緩めて座った。
I loosened my belt and sat down.
ネジを少し緩めてから部品を取り外して下さい。
Please loosen the screw a little before removing the part.
靴のひもを緩めると歩きやすくなる。
If you loosen your shoelaces, it's easier to walk.
To relax one's attention or efforts; to let one's guard down; to ease up mentally or emotionally.
試験中に気を緩めてはいけない。
You must not let your guard down during the exam.
彼は成功してから仕事に対して気を緩めた。
After succeeding, he relaxed his efforts at work.
事故は一瞬気を緩めたときに起きることが多い。
Accidents often happen the moment someone lets their guard down.
To relax or ease rules, restrictions, or control; to loosen regulations or constraints.
政府は経済対策として輸入規制を緩めた。
The government eased import restrictions as an economic measure.
コロナ禍で各国が入国審査を一部緩め始めた。
During the pandemic, countries began partially easing entry screening.
先生は宿題の締め切りを緩めると告げた。
The teacher said they would relax the homework deadline.
To reduce speed or intensity; to slow down or ease up (e.g., a vehicle or movement).
カーブに入る前に速度を緩めてください。
Please slow down before entering the curve.
風が弱まったので船は速度を緩めた。
The wind eased, so the ship slowed down.
ブレーキをかけて速度を緩める。
Apply the brakes to reduce speed.
To make a slope or gradient more gradual; to lessen the steepness of an incline.
道路工事で勾配を緩めて雨で滑りにくくした。
They made the gradient gentler in the roadworks to reduce slipperiness in rain.
自転車道は登りの勾配を緩めるように設計されている。
The bike path is designed to have a gentler ascent.
新しい橋は急な斜面を緩める構造になっている。
The new bridge is structured to lessen the steepness of the slope.