Translation guide
The English verb "devastate" has two main uses: causing severe physical destruction, and causing extreme emotional shock or grief. Japanese expresses these with different verbs and phrases, and the emotional sense often uses passive or descriptive forms.
To completely destroy or ruin a place, building, or area, often on a large scale.
The hurricane devastated the coastal villages. · The fire devastated the forest.
General term for destroying or demolishing something. Can be used for both natural disasters and human actions.
To cause someone to feel extreme shock, grief, or despair.
She was devastated by the loss of her pet. · The criticism devastated him.
Direct translations like '荒廃させる' for emotional contexts sound unnatural. Use phrases like '大打撃を与える' or '深く傷つける' instead.
When describing someone being devastated, Japanese often uses passive forms (e.g., '打ちのめされた', '傷つけられた') to focus on the affected person.
The earthquake completely devastated the town.
To annihilate or wipe out; implies total destruction, often used for military contexts or complete ruin.
The bombing devastated the city.
To lay waste, desolate; often used for landscapes or environments becoming barren.
The war devastated the land.
The news devastated him.
To deeply wound emotionally. Often used in personal relationships.
His words devastated her.
To give a shock; a straightforward way to express causing emotional devastation.
The sudden layoff devastated him.
To knock down emotionally; implies being completely overwhelmed by grief or shock.
I was devastated by grief.