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.
地震が町を完全に破壊した。
The earthquake completely devastated the town.
To annihilate or wipe out; implies total destruction, often used for military contexts or complete ruin.
To cause someone to feel extreme shock, grief, or despair.
She was devastated by the loss of her pet. · The criticism devastated him.
Literally 'to deal a heavy blow'. Commonly used for both emotional and situational devastation.
その知らせは彼に大打撃を与えた。
The news 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.
爆撃が都市を壊滅させた。
The bombing devastated the city.
To lay waste, desolate; often used for landscapes or environments becoming barren.
戦争が国土を荒廃させた。
The war devastated the land.
To deeply wound emotionally. Often used in personal relationships.
彼の言葉は彼女を深く傷つけた。
His words devastated her.
To give a shock; a straightforward way to express causing emotional devastation.
突然の解雇は彼に大きなショックを与えた。
The sudden layoff devastated him.
To knock down emotionally; implies being completely overwhelmed by grief or shock.
悲しみに打ちのめされた。
I was devastated by grief.