Translation guide
The English word 'rot' refers to the process of organic decay, often with a focus on smell, appearance, or structural breakdown. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for literal rotting, figurative decay, and related states.
To describe something organic breaking down, decomposing, or spoiling naturally.
The most common and general verb for organic matter rotting, spoiling, or going bad. Intransitive.
This apple is already rotten.
Food rots easily in summer.
More formal or technical term for decomposition or putrefaction. Often used in scientific or written contexts.
The corpse was rotting and emitting a foul odor.
Specifically for wood, plants, or structures decaying over a long time, often implying crumbling or losing form. Literary nuance.
The old wooden bridge rotted away.
To describe teeth rotting or developing cavities.
To describe moral corruption, societal decline, or institutional decay.
Used figuratively for corruption, especially political or moral decay. Same word as organic decay but context distinguishes.
Government corruption is a serious problem.
The organization is rotting from within.
Moral decay or depravity, often of a person's character. Implies falling from a higher state.
He rotted away through drink and gambling.
Figurative use for fame, talent, or legacy fading or rotting away. Poetic.
To describe the stench of decay.
To say something causes rot or spoilage.
Transitive form of 腐る. To make something rot or spoil.
The moisture rotted the wood.
Saying 人が腐っている (a person is rotten) is very strong and insulting, implying moral corruption. Use with extreme caution. For 'lazy' or 'good-for-nothing', consider ダメ人間 or 怠け者 instead.
He's a real good-for-nothing.
腐る is for organic spoilage (food, flesh) and is common in daily life. 朽ちる is for slow decay of wood, buildings, or abstract things like fame, and has a literary feel. Do not use 朽ちる for food.
The fruit was left out and started to rot.
Too much sugar will rot your teeth.
Natural Japanese uses 虫歯になる, not a direct 'rot' verb.
The company's culture was rotten to the core.
酸が歯を蝕んでいる。
Acid is rotting my teeth.
His fame will eventually rot away.
腐敗した肉の悪臭が漂っていた。
The stench of rotting meat hung in the air.