Translation guide
How to express that a situation, condition, or quality is deteriorating or becoming more severe in Japanese.
The weather got worse.
His physical condition is getting worse.
A more formal term, often used for medical conditions, economic situations, or relationships. Implies a clear deterioration.
The condition of the illness worsened.
Relations between the two countries are deteriorating.
Emphasizes that something becomes severe or intense. Often used for pain, weather, or symptoms.
The pain got worse.
The rain is getting worse.
To express that something is losing its quality, or someone's skill or performance is dropping.
Literally 'quality falls'. Used for products, services, or work.
Recently, the quality of the food at this restaurant has gotten worse.
Specifically for a person's skill or ability declining. '腕' means 'arm' but idiomatically refers to skill.
If you don't practice, your skills will get worse.
Formal term for a drop or decline in quality, ability, or function.
My concentration is getting worse.
To describe that a particular problem, such as an illness or a negative trait, is becoming more severe.
To say that a relationship or the mood in a group is becoming strained or unpleasant.
Describes an atmosphere becoming awkward or uncomfortable between people.
After the fight, things got worse (awkward) between us.
Onomatopoeic word for a relationship becoming strained or awkward, with a sense of friction.
Lately, my relationship with him has gotten worse (strained).
To emphasize that a situation is not just bad, but continuing to deteriorate, often unexpectedly.
Simply 'get even worse'. Adds 'さらに' (further/more) to the basic phrase.
The situation got even worse.
Emphasizes a rapid or steady worsening. 'どんどん' is an onomatopoeia for things progressing quickly.
The economy is getting worse and worse.
Literally 'only getting worse', implying a one-way trend with no improvement in sight.
My grades just keep getting worse.
English uses 'get' + adjective to express change. In Japanese, you usually use an adverb form + なる (e.g., 悪くなる) or a specific verb (e.g., 悪化する). Do not try to translate 'get' directly as 得る or 手に入れる in this context.
悪くなる is the everyday, versatile choice. 悪化する is more formal and often used in news, medical reports, or business contexts. For casual conversation, stick with 悪くなる or ひどくなる.