loose · slow

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 緩 has 15 strokes and expresses looseness, gentleness, or easing.
• Basic usage: 緩い is read ゆるい, and 緩む is read ゆるむ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• State with 緩い and change with 緩む
  • 緩い describes an existing loose or gentle state.
  • この靴はひもを結んでも少し緩い。 means “These shoes remain a little loose even when I tie the laces.”
  • 緩む describes something loosening or tension easing.
  • 歩いているうちに靴ひもが緩んだ。 means “My shoelaces loosened while I was walking.”