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.
The standard medical term for atrophy. Used for muscles, organs, or tissues. Can be used as a noun or with する to form a verb.
長期間寝たきりだと筋肉が萎縮する。
Muscles atrophy when bedridden for a long period.
この病気は脳の萎縮を引き起こす。
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.
使わない筋肉は退化する。
Unused muscles atrophy.
人間の尾てい骨は退化した器官だ。
The human tailbone is a vestigial organ (atrophied organ).
Specifically 'muscle atrophy'. Used in medical contexts.
筋萎縮性側索硬化症はALSとも呼ばれる。
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.
練習しないと技術は衰える。
Skills atrophy if you don't practice.
彼の記憶力は年とともに衰えた。
His memory atrophied with age.
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.
脳も使わないと衰える。
The brain also atrophies if you don't use it.
Similar meaning, slightly more formal or explanatory.
筋肉は使わなければ退化する。
Muscles atrophy if not used.
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.
The language skills of young people these days are atrophying.
The economy continues to atrophy.