Translation guide
The English verb 'wane' describes a gradual decrease in intensity, power, size, or influence. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various verbs and expressions are used depending on what is waning.
Describing the moon's phase when it appears to decrease in size.
The most common way to say the moon is waning. Literally 'the moon is chipping/waning'.
今夜は月が欠け始めている。
The moon is starting to wane tonight.
Refers specifically to the last quarter moon, the waning half-moon.
下弦の月は明け方に見える。
The waning half-moon is visible at dawn.
Describing a gradual loss of strength, authority, or public support.
General verb for decline in power, health, or vigor. Suitable for abstract things like influence.
彼の影響力は衰えつつある。
His influence is waning.
その政党の人気は衰えている。
The party's popularity is waning.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to weaken'. Used for forces, intensity, or momentum.
Means 'to decline' or 'drop', often used for measurable things like support rates or performance.
支持率が低下している。
Approval ratings are waning.
Describing a gradual loss of interest, passion, or emotional intensity.
Means 'to fade' or 'diminish', often used for feelings, memories, or interest.
時間が経つにつれて、興味が薄れてきた。
As time passed, my interest waned.
彼女への情熱が薄れた。
My passion for her waned.
Literally 'to cool down', used for enthusiasm or love cooling off.
Describing a gradual decrease in brightness or volume.
Used for light or sound becoming weaker.
日差しが弱まってきた。
The sunlight is waning.
音楽の音が徐々に弱まった。
The music gradually waned.
Can also be used for light fading, especially when it becomes dimmer.
衰える (otoroeru) is for decline in ability, health, or power. 弱まる (yowamaru) is for physical force or intensity weakening. 薄れる (usureru) is for feelings, interest, or visibility fading. Choose based on what is waning.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'wane'. Using a dictionary lookup like 衰える for the moon would be unnatural. Always match the verb to the subject.
台風の勢力が弱まってきた。
The typhoon's strength is waning.
His motivation has waned.
夕暮れとともに明かりが薄れた。
The light waned with the dusk.