Translation guide
The English word 'fading' covers gradual disappearance of color, sound, light, strength, or memory. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is fading and how.
Describing colors becoming paler or less vivid over time, due to sunlight, washing, etc.
The most common and natural verb for colors fading. Used for clothes, paintings, photographs, etc.
このTシャツは洗濯で色あせてしまった。
This T-shirt has faded from washing.
A more formal or technical term for color fading, often used in written descriptions or product warnings.
直射日光により退色する恐れがあります。
There is a risk of fading due to direct sunlight.
Describing sound gradually becoming quieter or disappearing.
Literally 'goes and disappears', used for sounds fading away into the distance.
車の音が遠くで消えていった。
The sound of the car faded away in the distance.
Means 'becomes small', used when volume decreases gradually.
音楽がだんだん小さくなった。
The music gradually faded.
Loanword from English 'fade out', used mainly in music/audio production contexts.
曲の最後でフェードアウトする。
The song fades out at the end.
Describing light gradually dimming or disappearing, such as daylight or a lamp.
Means 'becomes faint and goes', used for light, memories, hopes, etc.
夕日が薄れていった。
The sunset faded away.
Also used for light disappearing completely.
明かりがゆっくり消えていった。
The light slowly faded.
Describing physical strength, energy, or influence gradually weakening.
Used for decline in physical strength, vitality, or power over time.
年をとると体力が衰える。
As you get older, your physical strength fades.
Intransitive verb meaning 'weakens', used for wind, influence, etc.
Describing memories, emotions, or impressions becoming less clear or intense.
Intransitive verb for memories, feelings, or consciousness becoming faint.
その記憶は時とともに薄れた。
That memory faded with time.
Used when a memory or feeling disappears gradually.
怒りがだんだん消えていった。
The anger gradually faded.
風が次第に弱まった。
The wind gradually faded.