Translation guide
The state or process of a species, family, or larger group ceasing to exist. In Japanese, the most common word is 絶滅 (ぜつめつ), but other terms are used for specific contexts like languages, families, or abstract concepts.
The dying out of a species or other biological group.
The standard term for biological extinction. Used for species, subspecies, etc. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'become extinct'.
Dinosaurs became extinct about 66 million years ago.
This species is on the brink of extinction.
A more vivid, somewhat literary verb meaning 'to die out completely'. Emphasizes the process of perishing.
That animal has already died out completely.
A verb meaning 'to cease' or 'to die out'. Can be used for species but is less specific than 絶滅. Often used in the negative form 絶えない (never cease).
That bird has died out.
The disappearance of a language, tradition, or cultural practice.
Used for the disappearance of languages, cultures, or abstract things. Implies vanishing or ceasing to exist.
Many minority languages are in danger of extinction.
Literally 'dead language'. Refers to a language no longer spoken as a native tongue, like Latin. Can also mean an obsolete word.
Verb meaning 'to go out of use' or 'to become obsolete'. Used for customs, words, or practices that fall out of fashion.
The dying out of a family name or lineage.
The extinguishing or dying out of something non-biological, like a flame or hope.
絶滅 is primarily used for biological extinction (species, etc.), while 消滅 is broader and covers disappearance of languages, cultures, rights, etc. 消滅 can also be used for physical vanishing, like a ghost disappearing.
When talking about a fire or light going out, use 消える or 消す, not 絶滅. 絶滅 is only for living things or species.
Latin is sometimes considered a dead language.
その習慣はすっかり廃れてしまった。
That custom has completely died out.
With no heir, the family line died out.
その知らせは彼の希望を消し去った。
The news extinguished his hope.