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.
literal end of the world
it's not the end of the world
Used to console someone.
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.
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).
I'm interested in eschatology.
Literally 'the end of this world,' often with a religious or poetic nuance. Less common in everyday speech.
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.
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.
Used to console someone: 'It's not the end of the world.' A set phrase.
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.
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.
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.
It felt like the end of the world.
Don't act like it's the end of the world.
Casual.
When she dumped me, I thought it was the end of the world.
It's okay, it's not the end of the world.
The battlefield was like the end of the world.