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'.
恐竜は約6600万年前に絶滅した。
Dinosaurs became extinct about 66 million years ago.
この種は絶滅の危機に瀕している。
This species is on the brink of extinction.
A more vivid, somewhat literary verb meaning 'to die out completely'. Emphasizes the process of perishing.
その動物はすでに死に絶えてしまった。
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).
その鳥は絶えてしまった。
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.
多くの少数言語が消滅の危機にある。
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.
ラテン語は死語と見なされることがある。
Latin is sometimes considered a dead language.
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.
Refers to the extinction of a family line or the severing of a lineage. Often used in historical or genealogical contexts.
その家系は断絶した。
That family line has become extinct.
A phrase meaning 'a family dies out'. More colloquial than 断絶.
後継ぎがいなくて、家が絶えてしまった。
With no heir, the family line died out.
The extinguishing or dying out of something non-biological, like a flame or hope.
General verb for 'to disappear' or 'to go out'. Used for fires, lights, and abstract things like hope.
ろうそくの火が消えた。
The candle flame went out.
希望が消えた。
Hope died out.
To extinguish or wipe out completely. More forceful than 消える. Often used in metaphorical contexts.
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.
その習慣はすっかり廃れてしまった。
That custom has completely died out.
The news extinguished his hope.