1.
to fade, to thin out, to grow faint
For something to become physically thinner, lighter, or less distinct over time. Used for colors, fog, light, and other sensory qualities.
色が薄れてきた。
The color has faded.
夕方になると日差しが薄れる。
The sunlight fades in the evening.
長年の風雨で看板の文字がすっかり薄れてしまった。
The lettering on the sign has completely faded from years of wind and rain.
2.
to weaken, to diminish, to wane
For feelings, memories, awareness, or abstract qualities to gradually decrease in intensity or strength.
記憶が薄れる。
Memories fade.
危機感が薄れてきている。
The sense of crisis is weakening.
時間がたつにつれて事故の教訓が薄れ、同じような失敗が繰り返される。
As time passes, the lessons of the accident fade, and similar mistakes are repeated.
USAGE NOTE:
薄れる is an intransitive ichidan verb. The transitive counterpart is 薄める (to dilute, to thin). Both senses describe a gradual process of becoming less intense.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 記憶が薄れる (memories fade)
- 意識が薄れる (consciousness fades / awareness diminishes)
- 存在感が薄れる (presence diminishes)
- 影響力が薄れる (influence wanes)
- 色が薄れる (color fades)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 消える: to disappear (complete, not gradual)
- 衰える: to decline, to weaken (for strength, power, vitality)
- 褪せる: to fade, to discolor (mainly for colors and dyes)