Translation guide
The concept of moving backward, declining, or reverting to a worse state. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns, verbs, and adjectives that convey regression, deterioration, or reversal of progress.
To describe a situation, condition, or process that is getting worse or going back to a previous, less advanced state.
A common noun meaning retreat, regression, or moving backward. Used for physical movement, economic trends, or abstract decline.
経済の後退が続いている。
The economic retrogression continues.
交渉は後退した。
The negotiations regressed.
Often used for biological, psychological, or developmental regression. Can imply a return to an earlier stage.
子供が退行現象を見せた。
The child showed signs of retrogression.
Means moving against the flow or going backward. Often used for going against progress or time.
時代に逆行する政策だ。
It's a policy that goes against the times (a retrogression).
Specifically means degeneration or atrophy, often biological. Can be used metaphorically for decline in ability or quality.
使わない筋肉は退化する。
Unused muscles degenerate (undergo retrogression).
To express that someone or something has gone back to a previous, less desirable condition, often after improvement.
A noun/suru-verb meaning going back to a previous state, often with a negative connotation. Common in everyday speech.
せっかく治ったのに、病気が逆戻りした。
Even though I finally got better, my illness relapsed (retrogressed).
改革が逆戻りする恐れがある。
There is a risk that the reforms will retrogress.
Literally 'to go back the way one came'. Used for physical backtracking or figurative regression.
景気が後戻りしている。
The economy is retrogressing.
Means deterioration or worsening. A very common word for any situation getting worse.
To describe a situation where advancement is undone, or abilities decline.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to go back to square one'. Implies that progress has been completely lost.
交渉が決裂して、振り出しに戻った。
The negotiations broke down and we retrogressed to square one.
後退 (こうたい) is the most general term for regression or moving backward, used in economics, politics, and physical movement. 退行 (たいこう) is more technical, often used in psychology or biology for developmental regression. 逆行 (ぎゃっこう) emphasizes going against the natural flow or progress, like 'retrograde motion' or 'turning back the clock'.
The English word 'retrogression' is relatively formal and uncommon. In Japanese, it is often more natural to use simpler words like 悪化 (あっか, worsening) or 後退 (こうたい, retreat) depending on context. Using a direct translation like 退行 may sound overly technical or unnatural in casual conversation.
The condition retrogressed (worsened).
A set phrase meaning 'back to where one started' or 'all for nothing'. Slightly literary.
努力が水の泡で、元の木阿弥だ。
All efforts were in vain; it's a complete retrogression.