Translation guide
The English word "atrophy" refers to the wasting away or decrease in size of a body part, tissue, or organ, often due to disuse, disease, or malnutrition. It can also be used metaphorically for skills or systems that decline from lack of use. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific medical terms, general verbs for weakening, and metaphorical expressions.
To describe the physical wasting away of muscles, organs, or tissues due to disease, injury, or disuse.
Muscles atrophy when bedridden for a long period.
This disease causes atrophy of the brain.
Often translated as 'degeneration' or 'atrophy' in a biological/evolutionary sense. Implies a loss of function or structure over time, sometimes due to disuse. Can be used for organs or abilities.
Unused muscles atrophy.
The human tailbone is a vestigial organ (atrophied organ).
Specifically 'muscle atrophy'. Used in medical contexts.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is also called ALS.
To describe the weakening or loss of abilities, institutions, or qualities due to neglect or lack of practice.
A general verb meaning 'to decline', 'to weaken', or 'to atrophy'. Used for physical strength, mental faculties, skills, or power. Natural for metaphorical atrophy.
Skills atrophy if you don't practice.
Also used metaphorically for skills or cultural phenomena that have degenerated or become less sophisticated.
Can be used metaphorically for economic or social decline, but less common than 衰える in non-medical contexts.
To express the idea that something wastes away because it is not used, in a broad sense.
A common phrase meaning 'if you don't use it, it atrophies/declines'. Works for muscles, skills, etc.
The brain also atrophies if you don't use it.
Similar meaning, slightly more formal or explanatory.
萎縮 (ishuku) is primarily medical and refers to shrinkage in size, often due to disease or disuse. 退化 (taika) implies a more evolutionary or functional degeneration, and is commonly used for vestigial organs or metaphorical decline. For muscle atrophy from disuse, both can be used, but 萎縮 is more clinical.
The English word 'atrophy' is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it's often medical or formal. In Japanese, using 萎縮 in casual speech may sound overly technical. For general decline, 衰える is more natural.
His memory atrophied with age.
最近の若者の言葉遣いは退化している。
The language skills of young people these days are atrophying.
経済の萎縮が続いている。
The economy continues to atrophy.
Muscles atrophy if not used.