Translation guide
The English verb 'discolor' means to change or lose color, often in an undesirable way. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several verbs and phrases depending on whether the change is natural (fading, yellowing), caused by an agent (staining, bleaching), or a general loss of color. The most common and versatile option is 変色する (hensyoku suru), which covers many types of discoloration. For specific contexts like fading due to sunlight or washing, 色あせる (iroaseru) is used. For yellowing with age, 黄ばむ (kibamu) is common. When an external factor causes discoloration, transitive verbs like 変色させる (hensyoku saseru) or 染める (someru) may be appropriate. Learners should note that direct translations like 色を変える (iro o kaeru) can sound unnatural; using the established compound verbs is preferred.
To change color, often in an undesirable way, without specifying the cause. This is the most common meaning.
The most general and widely used term for discoloration. It can be used for both natural processes and damage. Suitable for most contexts.
この布は日光で変色した。
This cloth discolored from sunlight.
The wallpaper is discolored due to moisture.
A more colloquial phrase meaning 'the color changes'. It is less formal than 変色する and can be used for any color change, not necessarily undesirable. Often used in everyday speech.
このシャツは洗ったら色が変わった。
This shirt changed color after washing.
Transitive form meaning 'to cause to discolor'. Used when an agent or factor causes the discoloration. More technical or formal.
薬品が溶液を変色させた。
The chemical discolored the solution.
To lose color intensity, become pale or washed out, often due to sunlight, washing, or age.
Specifically means 'to fade' or 'lose color'. Commonly used for fabrics, photographs, and paintings. Intransitive.
カーテンが日焼けで色あせた。
The curtains faded from sun exposure.
この写真は色あせてしまった。
This photograph has faded.
A more formal or technical term for fading, often used in contexts like art conservation or textile testing. Similar to 色あせる but less common in daily conversation.
この染料は退色しにくい。
This dye is resistant to fading.
Literally 'the color falls off', used when color comes out of fabric during washing, or fades significantly. More casual.
新しいジーンズは色が落ちやすい。
New jeans tend to lose color easily.
To turn yellow or brownish over time, especially paper, fabric, or plastic.
Specifically means 'to yellow' or 'become yellowish'. Commonly used for aged paper, white fabrics, or teeth. Intransitive.
古い本のページが黄ばんでいる。
The pages of the old book are yellowed.
シャツの襟が黄ばんできた。
The shirt collar has started to yellow.
A formal or technical term for yellowing, often used in medical or scientific contexts (e.g., skin, leaves). Less common in everyday language.
葉が黄変する病気
a disease that causes leaves to yellow
To become marked with patches of different color, often due to liquid or dirt.
Means 'to become a stain' or 'get stained'. Used when a substance leaves a discolored mark. Intransitive.
コーヒーをこぼして、カーペットが染みになった。
I spilled coffee and the carpet got stained.
Literally 'a stain attaches', meaning to get a stain. Very common in daily speech.
白い服は染みがつきやすい。
White clothes get stained easily.
General term for 'become dirty', which can include discoloration from dirt. Broader than just color change.
To remove color, often intentionally or through chemical action, resulting in a lighter or white appearance.
Means 'to bleach'. Used for intentional whitening of fabrics or hair. Transitive.
彼女は髪を漂白した。
She bleached her hair.
Literally 'to pull out color', meaning to remove color or bleach. Common in hair and fabric contexts.
この染みは色を抜かないと落ちない。
This stain won't come out unless you bleach it.
Technical term for decolorization or bleaching, used in chemistry or industrial processes.
活性炭で溶液を脱色する。
Decolorize the solution with activated carbon.
The phrase 色を変える (iro o kaeru) literally means 'change color', but it is not commonly used for discoloration. It can imply changing the color intentionally (like painting a wall) or metaphorically (changing one's attitude). For unintended discoloration, use 変色する or context-specific verbs.
Most Japanese verbs for discoloration are intransitive (happen by themselves). To say something causes discoloration, use the transitive form (～させる) or a different verb. For example: 日光で変色した (discolored by sunlight) vs. 日光が布を変色させた (sunlight discolored the cloth).
壁が子供の手で汚れた。
The wall got dirty from children's hands.