Translation guide
The English verb 'fade' covers several related ideas: losing color, brightness, or intensity; gradually disappearing or becoming weaker; and in audio/video, smoothly transitioning volume or scenes. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is fading and how.
Express that a color, photograph, or fabric has lost its original vividness due to sunlight, washing, or age.
The most common and natural verb for colors fading. Used for clothes, paintings, photographs, etc.
This shirt has faded from washing.
The color fades when exposed to sunlight.
A more formal or technical term for fading, often used in written descriptions or product warnings.
This dye is resistant to fading.
Literally 'sunburn,' but can be used for things that fade or discolor due to sunlight, like paper or fabric. Not the primary word for color fading.
The curtains faded (from sun exposure) and the color became lighter.
Express that something gradually becomes less intense and eventually disappears, such as sound, light, memories, or emotions.
Literally 'go and disappear,' this phrase emphasizes the gradual process of vanishing. Very natural for sounds, lights, and abstract things.
The music gradually faded away.
The memory faded with time.
Means to become thin, weak, or dim. Commonly used for memories, feelings, consciousness, and light.
Means to weaken or diminish. Suitable for sounds, winds, or forces that lose strength.
Loanword from English 'fade out,' used mainly in technical contexts like audio or video production.
Describe a smooth transition where sound or image gradually appears or disappears, as in film or music production.
Express that something like a flower, a person's beauty, or vitality has withered or declined over time.
色あせる is specifically for colors losing vividness. 薄れる is for intangible things like memories, feelings, or consciousness becoming dim. 消えていく emphasizes the gradual process of disappearing and works for sounds, lights, and abstract concepts.
The photo's colors faded.
The memory faded.
The footsteps faded away.
フェード (fēdo) is a loanword used almost exclusively in technical media contexts. For colors fading or sounds dying away, use native Japanese verbs like 色あせる or 消えていく.
The color of the curtains faded.
The sound of the train faded into the distance.
Her smile faded.
For a sudden disappearance, 消えた is more natural than a gradual fade.
痛みがだんだん薄れてきた。
The pain gradually faded.
My consciousness faded away.
風の音が弱まっていった。
The sound of the wind faded.
Please fade out the sound at the end of the song.
The music faded out and the scene changed.
The screen gradually faded out.
Her beauty did not fade with age.