Translation guide
The English word 'ebb' refers to the movement of the tide going out, or a decline or weakening of something. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Describing the movement of the tide as it recedes from the shore.
The most common and natural word for 'ebb tide' or 'low tide'. It refers to the receding tide.
It's ebb tide now.
When the tide ebbs, you can walk far out.
A more technical term for 'low tide', often used in weather forecasts or nautical contexts.
Low tide today is at 3 PM.
A verb phrase meaning 'the tide goes out' or 'the tide ebbs'. Very natural in conversation.
The tide is ebbing, isn't it?
After the tide ebbed, I picked up shells.
Refers to the ebb and flow of the tide as a cycle. More literary or descriptive.
The ebb and flow of the tide is beautiful.
Describing a gradual decrease in strength, intensity, or prosperity.
Means 'decline', 'decay', or 'ebb' in the sense of weakening power or prosperity. Used for civilizations, industries, etc.
The country's economy is ebbing.
Refers to a decline in strength, vitality, or ability. Often used for physical or mental decline.
Means 'momentum weakens' or 'energy ebbs'. Natural for describing a loss of force or enthusiasm.
Literally 'to go downhill', meaning to be in decline. More colloquial.
That company is on the ebb.
Describing the natural fluctuation or alternating pattern of something, like emotions or situations.
Means 'rise and fall', 'prosperity and decline', or 'ebb and flow'. Often used in historical or business contexts.
History repeats the ebb and flow of nations.
Literally 'floating and sinking', meaning ups and downs or vicissitudes. Common for life or emotions.
Directly means 'ebb and flow' of the tide, but can be used metaphorically for cycles.
I'm swayed by the ebb and flow of emotions.
While 'ebb' can be translated as 衰退 or 衰え, these words often imply a more permanent or serious decline. For temporary decreases, use phrases like 勢いが衰える or 弱まる.
引き潮 (hikishio) is the general term for the receding tide, while 干潮 (kanchō) specifically refers to the point of low tide. Use 引き潮 when describing the process, and 干潮 for the time or state.
The ebb of the Roman Empire was inevitable.
体力の衰えを感じる。
I feel my strength ebbing.
His passion gradually ebbed.
Life has its ebbs and flows.