Translation guide
The state of not flowing, moving, or developing. In Japanese, this concept is expressed differently depending on whether you're talking about water/air, economic activity, or personal growth.
Describing water, air, or other fluids that are still and not circulating, often with a negative connotation of becoming stale or foul.
General term for stagnation of liquids, air, or traffic. Can also be used metaphorically for economic or personal stagnation.
Stagnation of water leads to mosquito breeding.
The air felt stuffy due to stagnation.
A stagnant pool or eddy in a river; also used figuratively for a lull in conversation or activity. Often written in kana.
Trash had accumulated in the stagnant part of the river.
Stagnation or accumulation, often used for people, goods, or fluids that are stuck and not moving on. More formal than 停滞.
Passengers were stranded at the station due to heavy rain.
Describing a lack of growth, development, or activity in the economy, market, or business.
The most common term for economic stagnation. Can be used for markets, sales, or overall economic conditions.
The economic stagnation is prolonged.
Slump or dullness, often used for business performance, sales, or market conditions. Implies a prolonged period of poor results.
Stagnation or depression, often used for economic or social conditions. More literary and formal.
Describing a feeling of being stuck, not growing, or lacking motivation in one's personal life, career, or creative pursuits.
Can be used for personal stagnation, such as in one's career or personal development.
I feel a stagnation in my career.
To reach a deadlock or impasse; to be stuck. Often used for creative blocks or situations where progress is halted.
Falling into a rut; becoming stereotyped or lacking freshness. Often used for relationships, work, or creative output.
Can also describe a personal feeling of stagnation or depression, but is more literary.
停滞 (teitai) is a general term for stagnation, covering liquids, traffic, economy, and personal growth. 不振 (fushin) specifically means a slump or poor performance, and is mainly used for business, sales, or market conditions. Use 不振 when emphasizing poor results, and 停滞 when emphasizing lack of movement or change.
The English word 'stagnation' is often translated as 停滞, but in some contexts a more specific word like 不振 or a phrase like 行き詰まる is more natural. Using 停滞 for everything can sound unnatural.
Sales stagnation continues.
消費不振が続いている。
Consumer spending remains sluggish.
市場の沈滞ムードが漂っている。
A mood of market stagnation hangs in the air.
My research has hit a dead end.
I'm stuck for ideas.
My work has become routine and stagnant.
精神的な沈滞から抜け出せない。
I can't escape this mental stagnation.