Translation guide
Describes the process of something (a building, institution, person, etc.) deteriorating, collapsing, or being destroyed over time. Japanese expressions vary based on what is being ruined and the nuance (physical decay, financial collapse, moral decline, etc.).
To describe a building, city, or physical structure becoming dilapidated, crumbling, or falling apart.
Commonly used for the physical decay and desolation of buildings, land, or cities, often implying neglect or abandonment.
その城は何世紀も放置されて荒廃した。
The castle fell into ruin after being abandoned for centuries.
Emphasizes the process of rotting or crumbling away completely, often used for wooden structures or organic decay.
古い家は誰も住まずに朽ち果てた。
The old house fell into ruin with no one living in it.
Literally 'turn into ruins', used when a place becomes a complete ruin, often with a dramatic or literary tone.
戦争で街は廃墟と化した。
The town fell into ruin because of the war.
To describe a business, economy, or organization failing financially or structurally.
Used for financial failure, bankruptcy, or the collapse of a system or plan. Common in business and economic contexts.
その会社は巨額の負債で破綻した。
The company fell into ruin due to massive debt.
Means 'collapse' and can be used for systems, organizations, or economies falling apart.
経済が崩壊し、国は混乱に陥った。
The economy fell into ruin and the country descended into chaos.
Often used for the downfall of a family, dynasty, or once-prosperous entity, implying a fall from grace or prosperity.
その名家は没落してしまった。
That distinguished family fell into ruin.
To describe a person's life, health, or moral state deteriorating.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to ruin oneself, often through vice, gambling, or bad habits.
彼はギャンブルで身を持ち崩した。
He fell into ruin through gambling.
Means to become depraved or corrupt, often used for moral decline or falling into a dissolute lifestyle.
彼は酒と女で堕落した。
He fell into ruin through alcohol and women.
Describes falling into poverty or reduced circumstances, often from a previously higher status.
彼は零落して路上生活者になった。
He fell into ruin and became homeless.
To describe non-physical things like plans, dreams, or relationships being destroyed.
Strong word for utter destruction or ruin, used for plans, dreams, or people's lives.
彼の計画はすべて破滅した。
All his plans fell into ruin.
Literary or formal term for hopes or plans being dashed or coming to nothing.
彼の夢は潰えた。
His dreams fell into ruin.
Means 'to collapse' and can be used for relationships, plans, or balance falling apart.
The English phrase 'fall into ruin' is often translated with a single Japanese verb rather than a phrase like '廃墟に落ちる', which sounds unnatural. Choose the verb that matches the subject and nuance.
荒廃する emphasizes desolation and neglect over a wide area or structure, while 朽ち果てる focuses on the natural process of decay, often for organic materials or smaller objects.
二人の関係は崩れてしまった。
Their relationship fell into ruin.