Translation guide
How to express visible or figurative signs that someone or something is losing or has lost.
Describe observable indications that a person or team is being defeated.
A natural phrase meaning 'signs of losing' or 'harbingers of defeat'. Used in sports, games, and contests.
彼のプレーには負けの兆しが見えた。
You could see signs of defeat in his play.
A somewhat formal or written expression meaning 'the signs of defeat are strong' or 'defeat seems inevitable'. Often used in news or commentary.
試合は敗色濃厚となった。
The match showed strong signs of defeat.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'defeat is in sight' or 'you can see the loss coming'. Used in casual conversation.
もう負けが見えているよ。
I can already see the signs of defeat.
Express indications that an endeavor, plan, or organization is failing.
A general term for 'signs of failure'. Suitable for business, projects, or personal endeavors.
プロジェクトには失敗の兆候が現れ始めた。
Signs of failure began to appear in the project.
Literally 'signs of defeat', but can be used figuratively for any kind of loss or failure. Slightly more dramatic than 失敗の兆候.
会社に敗北の兆しが見え始めた。
Signs of defeat began to show in the company.
Specifically 'signs of decline' or 'decay', used for long-term deterioration of power, influence, or health.
その帝国には衰退の兆しがあった。
There were signs of decline in the empire.
Describe non-verbal cues that someone feels defeated.
Describes a drooping, dejected appearance, like slumped shoulders. Common for visible disappointment or defeat.
彼はがっくりした様子でうつむいた。
He hung his head with a look of defeat.
Literally 'drop one's shoulders', a common idiom for showing dejection or defeat.
負けたチームは肩を落として引き上げた。
The losing team left with their shoulders drooping (in defeat).
A more formal description of a dejected or dispirited facial expression.
彼の意気消沈した表情が敗北を物語っていた。
His dejected expression told of defeat.
Both mean 'sign' or 'omen', but 兆し (きざし) is more common and can be used for positive or negative signs. 兆候 (ちょうこう) is slightly more formal and often used in medical or technical contexts (e.g., symptoms). For 'signs of defeat', 兆し is more natural in everyday speech.
回復の兆しが見える。
Signs of recovery are visible.
病気の兆候に注意する。
Watch for signs of illness.