Translation guide
The phrase 'end of the world' can refer to the literal destruction of the planet, a catastrophic event, or a hyperbolic expression of personal crisis. Japanese has distinct expressions for each nuance.
世界の終わり
literal end of the world
The actual destruction of the world or civilization, often in a religious, mythological, or sci-fi context.
The most direct and common translation for the literal end of the world. Used in both serious and casual contexts.
映画では、世界の終わりが描かれている。
The movie depicts the end of the world.
A more formal or literary term for 'the end' or 'doomsday,' often used in compounds like 終末論 (eschatology).
終末論に興味がある。
I'm interested in eschatology.
Literally 'the end of this world,' often with a religious or poetic nuance. Less common in everyday speech.
彼はこの世の終わりを予言した。
He prophesied the end of the world.
Exaggerating a personal problem as if it were a world-ending catastrophe.
Literally 'It's already over,' used when feeling that everything is ruined. Very common in casual speech.
試験に落ちた。もう終わりだ。
I failed the exam. It's the end of the world.
Literally 'the end of my life,' used dramatically to express that a situation feels catastrophic.
彼女に振られて、人生の終わりだと思った。
When she dumped me, I thought it was the end of the world.
Used to console someone: 'It's not the end of the world.' A set phrase.
大丈夫、世界が終わるわけじゃないよ。
It's okay, it's not the end of the world.
A large-scale disaster or event that feels like the end of the world.
Describes a scene or situation that looks like the end of the world, e.g., after a natural disaster.
地震の後、街はこの世の終わりのようだった。
After the earthquake, the town looked like the end of the world.
Literally 'a picture of hell,' used to describe a scene of utter devastation or chaos.
戦場は地獄絵図だった。
The battlefield was like the end of the world.
Saying 「世界の終わりだ」 for a personal problem can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Use 「もう終わりだ」 or 「人生の終わりだ」 instead.
世界の終わりのように感じた。
It felt like the end of the world.