薄まる

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 薄まる（うすまる） means becoming less concentrated or weaker in taste, smell, or a similar quality.
• Basic usage: Use it when melting ice weakens a drink's taste or a smell fades over time.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Becoming weaker versus making something weaker
  • 味が薄まる describes the taste becoming weaker.
  • 味を薄める describes making the taste weaker.