Meaning and Usage
The verb 弱める (よわめる) means "to weaken" or "to reduce the strength or intensity of something." It is a transitive verb, so it always takes a direct object that is being weakened.
Common Contexts
You will often see 弱める used in contexts like adjusting the strength of a medicine, lowering the volume or intensity of a sound or voice, or reducing the force of natural elements like wind or light.
Collocations and Patterns
- 弱める + 量 (りょう): to weaken the amount (e.g., medicine dosage)
- 声を弱める: to lower or soften one's voice
- 力を弱める: to reduce strength or power
- 弱めるために + verb phrase: to do something in order to weaken
Register and Nuance
This verb is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It is often used in everyday conversation as well as written instructions or explanations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 弱める with 弱い (よわい), which is an adjective meaning "weak." Remember 弱める is a verb meaning "to make weak," so it requires an object and is an action.