Translation guide
How to express that a situation, condition, or quality is deteriorating or becoming more severe in Japanese.
His physical condition is getting worse.
A more formal term, often used for medical conditions, economic situations, or relationships. Implies a clear deterioration.
病状が悪化した。
The condition of the illness worsened.
両国の関係が悪化している。
Relations between the two countries are deteriorating.
Emphasizes that something becomes severe or intense. Often used for pain, weather, or symptoms.
痛みがひどくなった。
The pain got worse.
雨がひどくなってきた。
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.
最近、この店の料理の質が落ちた。
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.
練習しないと腕が落ちるよ。
If you don't practice, your skills will get worse.
Formal term for a drop or decline in quality, ability, or function.
集中力が低下している。
My concentration is getting worse.
To describe that a particular problem, such as an illness or a negative trait, is becoming more severe.
Means 'to progress' or 'advance', but often used for the progression of a disease or negative situation.
病気が進行している。
The disease is getting worse.
To become more serious or grave. Used for problems, crises, or social issues.
問題が深刻化している。
The problem is getting worse.
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.
喧嘩の後、気まずくなった。
After the fight, things got worse (awkward) between us.
Onomatopoeic word for a relationship becoming strained or awkward, with a sense of friction.
最近、彼との関係がギクシャクしている。
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.
状況はさらに悪くなった。
The situation got even worse.
Emphasizes a rapid or steady worsening. 'どんどん' is an onomatopoeia for things progressing quickly.
景気がどんどん悪くなっている。
The economy is getting worse and worse.
Literally 'only getting worse', implying a one-way trend with no improvement in sight.
成績は悪くなる一方だ。
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.