薄める

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 薄める (うすめる) is a transitive verb for reducing concentration or color intensity. The examples use connective and past forms in different media.
• Basic usage: 果汁を水で薄めて reduces liquid concentration; 色を白い絵の具で薄めた reduces color intensity.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Diluting with water and lightening with white paint
  • The changed target takes を; the medium used takes で. One result concerns taste and concentration, the other visual tone.