Translation guide
The process or result of becoming smaller in size, amount, or value. In Japanese, different words are used depending on what is shrinking and why.
Describing something becoming physically smaller, such as clothes, materials, or objects.
General noun for shrinkage, often used for fabrics, materials, or physical contraction.
このセーターは洗濯で縮みが出た。
This sweater shrank in the wash.
Contraction or shrinkage, often used in technical or scientific contexts (e.g., materials, muscles).
この素材は熱による収縮が少ない。
This material has low heat shrinkage.
Reduction in size, often used for images, scale, or abstract concepts rather than physical shrinkage of objects.
画像の縮小を行う。
Reduce the image size.
Referring to a decrease in numbers, such as population, profits, or market size.
Decrease or reduction in number/amount. The most common word for shrinkage in a quantitative sense.
人口の減少が続いている。
The population shrinkage continues.
Often used for market shrinkage, budget cuts, or scale-down of operations.
A drop or slump, often used for sudden or significant shrinkage in economic indicators.
Referring to loss of inventory due to theft, damage, or error.
Common loanword for loss, including inventory shrinkage.
在庫ロスを減らす対策が必要だ。
We need measures to reduce inventory shrinkage.
Specifically 'unknown loss', often used in retail for shrinkage from theft or administrative errors.
不明ロスが増えている。
Shrinkage is increasing.
市場の縮小に対応する。
Respond to market shrinkage.
売上の落ち込みが深刻だ。
The shrinkage in sales is serious.