Translation guide
To cease to exist as a species, group, or phenomenon. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with the verb 絶滅する (zetsumetsu suru), but other expressions exist for different nuances like dying out, disappearing, or being wiped out.
Dinosaurs became extinct.
This custom is dying out.
To say that a species, tribe, or other biological group has become extinct.
The standard, neutral term for extinction of a species or group. Used in scientific and everyday contexts.
Dinosaurs became extinct about 66 million years ago.
At this rate, that bird will become extinct.
Literally 'die out'. Emphasizes the process of dying off until none remain. Slightly more literary or dramatic than 絶滅する.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to perish' or 'to be ruined'. Can be used for species, civilizations, or cultures. More literary than 絶滅する.
To say that a practice, language, or cultural element is no longer used or practiced.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to go out of use', 'to become obsolete'. Commonly used for customs, fashions, or technologies.
That custom has completely died out now.
Means 'to disappear' or 'to become extinct'. Can be used for languages, customs, or even abstract things. More formal than 廃れる.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to die out' or 'to cease'. Often used for family lines, traditions, or sounds.
To say that a volcano is no longer active, or a fire has gone out.
絶滅する is used for biological extinction (species, etc.), while 廃れる is used for customs, fashions, or practices that fall out of use. Using 絶滅する for a custom sounds overly dramatic.
That custom became extinct. (unnatural)
That custom died out. (natural)
絶滅する implies permanent extinction. For temporary disappearance, use いなくなる (for animals) or 見られなくなる (for phenomena).
Many species are at risk of becoming extinct.
The language became extinct in the 19th century.
That tribe died out due to an epidemic.
その文明は滅びた。
That civilization perished.
This dialect is dying out.
Many minority languages are in danger of becoming extinct.
その家系は絶えてしまった。
That family line has died out.