Translation guide
The English word "degeneration" refers to a process of decline, deterioration, or loss of function, structure, or quality. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on context: biological/medical degeneration, moral/social decline, or general deterioration. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression for each meaning.
To describe the gradual deterioration of cells, tissues, or organs, often due to disease or aging.
The standard medical term for degeneration of tissues or cells, often used in compound words like 変性疾患 (degenerative disease).
神経変性疾患の研究が進んでいる。
Research on neurodegenerative diseases is progressing.
Often used for degeneration in the sense of atrophy or regression, especially of organs or functions that have become less developed over time.
使わない筋肉は退化する。
Unused muscles degenerate.
Specifically refers to atrophy or shrinkage of tissues or organs, often used in medical contexts.
加齢による脳の萎縮が見られる。
Brain atrophy due to aging is observed.
To describe a worsening of moral standards, social conditions, or cultural quality.
Refers to decadence or degeneration in a moral, cultural, or artistic sense. Often used for societal decay.
その時代は道徳の退廃が進んでいた。
In that era, moral degeneration was advancing.
Means corruption or depravity, often used for personal moral degeneration.
A general term for worsening or deterioration, applicable to situations, health, or quality. Less specific than 'degeneration' but very common.
To describe something becoming worse in quality, performance, or condition over time.
Commonly used for deterioration of materials, quality, or performance. Often used for physical objects or abstract qualities.
プラスチックは日光で劣化する。
Plastic degenerates in sunlight.
Means a drop or decline in level, standard, or function. Suitable for describing degeneration of abilities or quality.
Refers to weakening or decline, often of physical strength, vitality, or power. Can be used for degeneration in a more poetic sense.
変性 (へんせい) is specifically for biological tissue degeneration (e.g., 脂肪変性 fatty degeneration). 退化 (たいか) implies regression or loss of function, often evolutionary or due to disuse. 劣化 (れっか) is the most general term for deterioration of quality or materials. Use 変性 in medical contexts, 退化 for atrophy/regression, and 劣化 for everyday quality decline.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'degeneration'. Translating it as 退化 or 変性 in non-biological contexts can sound unnatural. Always consider the specific type of decline and choose the appropriate term.
He degenerated through alcohol and gambling.
The degeneration of public safety is a concern.
Cognitive function degenerates with age.
I feel the degeneration of physical strength due to aging.