Translation guide
The English word "decadence" refers to moral or cultural decline, often associated with excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean moral decay, self-indulgent luxury, or an artistic/literary movement.
To describe a society, group, or individual falling into a state of low morals, corruption, or decay.
The most direct translation for 'decadence' in the sense of moral or cultural decay. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
That era followed a path of decadence.
Emphasizes moral corruption or falling into depravity. Stronger than 退廃, often used for personal degradation.
He fell into decadence through pleasure.
Variant of 退廃, less common but used in literary or historical texts.
A decadent culture.
To describe a lifestyle of excessive luxury, pleasure, and indulgence, often with a positive or neutral connotation (like 'decadent dessert').
Means 'luxury' or 'extravagance'. Often used for rich food, experiences, or lifestyles. Not inherently negative.
This cake has a decadent flavor.
Literally 'to indulge in pleasure'. Captures the self-indulgent aspect of decadence.
He indulges in decadence every night.
Means 'dissipation' or 'profligacy'. Strongly negative, implying wasteful indulgence.
Referring to the Decadent movement in art and literature, characterized by a rejection of realism and an embrace of artifice, symbolism, and often morbid themes.
Loanword from French 'décadence', used specifically for the artistic movement. Also used more broadly for a decadent aesthetic.
His work is influenced by Decadence.
Literally 'decadent school', used to refer to the Decadent movement in literature.
The poets of the Decadent school.
When describing rich food, do not use 退廃 or 堕落, as they imply moral decay. Use 贅沢 (luxurious) or 濃厚 (rich) instead.
This chocolate cake is decadent.
退廃 (taihai) is more about cultural or societal decline, often used in historical or artistic contexts. 堕落 (daraku) is stronger and more personal, implying a fall into moral corruption or depravity.
放蕩の限りを尽くす。
To indulge in every kind of decadence.