Translation guide
The English phrase 'rise and fall' describes movement up and down, increase and decrease, or the cyclical nature of success and decline. Japanese expresses this through various verbs, nouns, and set phrases depending on context.
rise and fall (of nations)
rise and fall (in life)
Describing something that moves upward and downward, like a floating object, a person's chest, or a road.
A general verb for moving up and down. Can be used for physical objects, prices, or abstract levels.
The boat is rising and falling with the waves.
His chest is rising and falling.
The noun form meaning 'up and down' or 'rise and fall'. Often used in compounds.
Literally 'floating and sinking', used for objects on water or metaphorically for emotional ups and downs.
Referring to fluctuations in value, quantity, or intensity, such as stock prices, temperature, or sound volume.
Same verb as above, commonly used for numerical or level changes.
Describing the historical or metaphorical cycle of prosperity and decline.
Describing someone's success and subsequent failure, or the vicissitudes of life.
Describing the modulation of voice, such as in singing or speaking.
Both mean 'rise and fall', but 興亡 is typically used for large-scale entities like nations or civilizations, while 盛衰 can be used for smaller groups, families, or even personal fortunes. 盛衰 is slightly more literary.
the rise and fall of a nation
The rise and fall of the tide is predictable.
For tides, use 満ち引き (flood and ebb) instead of 上下.
エレベーターの上下の動き
the up-and-down movement of the elevator
The leaves are rising and falling on the water's surface.
Stock prices are rising and falling sharply.
Means 'to fluctuate' or 'vary'. More formal and often used in economic or technical contexts.
The temperature rises and falls greatly over the course of a day.
Noun meaning 'increase and decrease'. Often used in reports or formal writing.
We examine the rise and fall of the population.
A colloquial pattern meaning 'goes up and down repeatedly'. Emphasizes instability.
Lately my mood has been rising and falling.
A common compound meaning 'rise and fall' (of nations, civilizations). Often used in historical contexts.
the rise and fall of the Roman Empire
Similar to 興亡 but can also refer to the prosperity and decline of individuals, families, or businesses.
The rise and fall of a company depends on its management.
A four-character idiom meaning 'the ups and downs of life; prosperity and decay'. Literary and somewhat dramatic.
Rise and fall is the way of the world.
Noun meaning 'ups and downs', especially in life, career, or emotions. Very common.
Life has its rises and falls.
Literally 'success in life and downfall'. Used for dramatic career arcs.
His rise and fall is like a movie.
Noun meaning 'intonation' or 'modulation'. Refers to the rise and fall of the voice.
His way of speaking lacks rise and fall.
A more literal phrase meaning 'the rising and falling of the voice'.
Please pay attention to the rise and fall of your voice in Japanese.
家の盛衰
the rise and fall of a family
Directly translating 'rise and fall' as 上がり下がり is not always natural. Use context-appropriate terms like 上下, 浮き沈み, or 興亡.
彼は人生で劇的な浮き沈みを経験した。
He experienced a dramatic rise and fall in his career.