Translation guide
The English verb 'shrink' covers several related ideas: becoming smaller in size, decreasing in amount or value, and pulling back in fear or avoidance. Japanese uses different words for each of these meanings, and the choice depends on what is shrinking and why.
My sweater shrank.
The economy is shrinking.
He didn't shrink from the challenge.
To describe something physically contracting or getting smaller, especially due to washing, heat, or natural properties.
General intransitive verb for something shrinking or contracting. Commonly used for clothes, fabrics, and other materials.
This sweater shrank in the wash.
Also means to shrink or contract, but often implies a reduction in length or distance. Slightly less common than 縮む for general shrinking.
Literally 'become small'. A very natural and simple way to say something shrank, especially in casual speech.
My T-shirt shrank after I washed it.
To describe a reduction in quantity, size of a group, or financial figures.
Formal term for reduction or downsizing. Used for budgets, scale, scope, etc.
To describe a physical or emotional reaction of drawing back from something frightening, disgusting, or unpleasant.
To flinch, recoil, or shrink back from fear or intimidation. Often used in the negative to mean 'undaunted'.
To express that someone avoids doing something difficult or unpleasant.
Literally 'run away from'. A straightforward way to say someone shirks or avoids something.
Cotton clothes shrink easily.
ゴムが伸びて縮まらなくなった。
The elastic stretched out and won't shrink back.
The company shrank its operations.
The economy is shrinking.
Means 'to decrease' or 'to decline'. Used for numbers, amounts, population, etc.
The population is shrinking.
Profits shrank.
Casual and common verb for 'decrease' or 'become less'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
My savings are shrinking fast.
He didn't shrink from the threat.
The dog barked and the child shrank back.
To recoil or stagger back, often from surprise or shock. Slightly more physical than ひるむ.
He shrank back at the sight.
To hesitate or shrink from doing something due to fear or reluctance. Literally 'pull one's hips back'.
He shrank from taking responsibility.
To cower or shrink up in fear. Vivid and somewhat literary.
I shrank back when he yelled at me.
He doesn't shrink from difficulties.
To avoid something. Less vivid than 逃げる but very common.
She shrinks from troublesome tasks.
The economy is shrinking. (correct)