Translation guide
Expresses that something is gradually disappearing, becoming extinct, or ceasing to exist. Covers species, traditions, languages, customs, and fading phenomena.
To say that a species, animal, or plant is dying out or going extinct.
Standard term for extinction of a species. Used in formal and scientific contexts.
この動物は絶滅しつつある。
This animal is dying out.
Means 'is in danger of extinction'. Common in news and conservation contexts.
その鳥は絶滅の危機にある。
That bird is in danger of dying out.
Literary or emphatic way to say a species dies out completely. Less common in everyday speech.
恐竜は死に絶えた。
The dinosaurs died out.
To say that a tradition, custom, or way of life is dying out or being lost over time.
Describes customs, fashions, or practices falling out of use or becoming obsolete.
その習慣は廃れつつある。
That custom is dying out.
Simple and natural way to say something disappears or ceases to exist. Can be used for traditions, jobs, etc.
Means 'decline' or 'decay'. Used for industries, cultures, or practices losing vitality.
その技術は衰退している。
That craft is dying out.
To say that a language or dialect is dying out, with fewer speakers remaining.
Used for languages or dialects disappearing completely. Common in linguistic contexts.
その言語は消滅しつつある。
That language is dying out.
Literally 'the number of speakers is decreasing'. Natural way to describe language decline.
この方言は話者が減っている。
This dialect is dying out.
To say that a fire, light, or sound is dying out or fading.
General verb for something disappearing or going out (fire, light, sound).
火が消えそうだ。
The fire is dying out.
Means 'to be on the verge of going out'. Emphasizes the process of dying out.
ろうそくの火が消えかけている。
The candle flame is dying out.
To say that a memory, feeling, or hope is dying out or fading away.
Describes memories, emotions, or consciousness fading or dimming.
その記憶は薄れつつある。
That memory is dying out.
Means 'to vanish completely'. Stronger than 消える, often used for hopes or dreams.
絶滅する is specifically for species extinction. 消滅する is broader and can be used for languages, cultures, or abstract things disappearing completely. For customs or practices, 廃れる is more natural.
恐竜は絶滅した。
Dinosaurs went extinct.
その言語は消滅した。
That language died out.
While 死ぬ means 'to die', it is not used for abstract concepts like traditions or languages dying out. Use 廃れる, 消滅する, or なくなる instead.
この地域の伝統的な祭りはなくなりつつある。
The traditional festivals in this area are dying out.
希望が消え去った。
Hope died out.