弛緩(しかん)

しかん
noun, verb (suru)
relaxation; slackening; loosening
1. relaxation; slackening; loosening
The state of muscles, tension, or discipline becoming loose or relaxed. Used both in medical/physical contexts and figuratively for discipline or vigilance.
筋肉(きんにく)が弛緩(しかん)する。
The muscles relax.
入浴(にゅうよく)すると体(からだ)の緊張(きんちょう)が弛緩(しかん)する。
Taking a bath relaxes the body's tension.
長(なが)い平和(へいわ)が続(つづ)くと社会全体(しゃかいぜんたい)に気(き)の弛緩(しかん)が生(う)まれやすい。
When a long period of peace continues, a slackening of vigilance tends to develop across society.

FORMATION: 弛(し) (slacken, loosen) + 緩(かん) (relax, ease). Both characters convey the meaning of loosening.

USAGE: 弛緩(しかん) is a somewhat formal or technical word. In medical contexts, it refers to muscle relaxation. Figuratively, it describes a loosening of discipline, tension, or vigilance.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 筋肉(きんにく)の弛緩(しかん): muscle relaxation
  • 筋(きん)弛緩剤(しかんざい): muscle relaxant
  • 緊張(きんちょう)と弛緩(しかん): tension and relaxation
  • 規律(きりつ)の弛緩(しかん): slackening of discipline

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 弛緩(しかん): formal/technical term for loosening or relaxation
  • リラックス: relaxation (casual, loanword)
  • 緩和(かんわ): easing, alleviation (for regulations, pain, etc.)
general
Added 2026.3.5 19:22
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