Translation guide
The English word 'decay' covers physical rotting, decline of systems or morals, and scientific processes like radioactive decay. Japanese uses different words depending on what is decaying and how.
Describe something organic breaking down naturally, like food, wood, or a body.
The most common word for organic matter rotting or spoiling. Used for food, wood, flesh, etc. Intransitive.
This meat has already decayed.
The floor decayed due to moisture.
More formal or technical term for decomposition, often used for food spoilage or political/moral decay.
Prevent food from decaying.
Literary or poetic word for decaying, often used for wood, buildings, or remains. Implies a slow, natural process.
The old house is decaying.
Specifically refer to cavities or dental caries.
Describe a gradual worsening of standards, power, or quality.
General term for decline, withering, or decay of power, culture, industry, etc.
That civilization decayed.
The decay of the local economy is a problem.
Moral decay, corruption, or depravity. Often used for individuals or society.
He decayed morally through alcohol and gambling.
Decadence, degeneration, often artistic or cultural decay. Can be used as 退廃する or 退廃的.
Scientific term for the process of an unstable atomic nucleus losing energy.
Describe physical deterioration of man-made structures over time.
腐る is the everyday word for rotting (food, wood). 朽ちる is literary and implies a slow, natural decay over time, often for wood or remains. 腐敗する is formal and used for decomposition or moral decay.
腐る is specifically for organic matter. For buildings or infrastructure, use 老朽化する or 荒廃する. For abstract decline, use 衰退する.
Receive treatment for dental decay.
退廃的な芸術。
Decadent (decaying) art.