Translation guide
Describes something that increases and decreases in intensity, size, or degree over time, often in a cyclical or fluctuating manner.
To describe something that alternately increases and decreases, such as emotions, popularity, or intensity.
A natural way to say 'gets stronger and weaker' repeatedly. Suitable for emotions, sounds, or forces.
彼のやる気は強くなったり弱くなったりする。
His motivation waxes and wanes.
Literally 'increases and decreases'. Used for quantities, numbers, or levels.
この川の水量は季節によって増えたり減ったりする。
The water level of this river waxes and wanes with the seasons.
Ups and downs; fluctuations in mood, fortune, or life. Often used for emotional or situational changes.
人生には浮き沈みがある。
Life has its waxing and waning.
Rise and fall; prosperity and decline. More formal, often used for nations, organizations, or historical trends.
国家の盛衰は歴史の必然だ。
The waxing and waning of nations is inevitable in history.
Specifically referring to the moon's phases, from new moon to full moon and back.
The standard term for the waxing and waning of the moon. Used in astronomy and everyday language.
月の満ち欠けは約29.5日周期だ。
The waxing and waning of the moon has a cycle of about 29.5 days.
A more descriptive phrase: 'the moon waxes and wanes'. Suitable for explanations.
月が満ちたり欠けたりする様子は美しい。
The sight of the moon waxing and waning is beautiful.
Describing how interest, enthusiasm, or popularity rises and falls over time.
Common way to say popularity goes up and down.
その歌手の人気は上がったり下がったりしている。
The singer's popularity is waxing and waning.
Interest heightens and fades. Slightly more formal.
環境問題への関心が高まったり薄れたりする。
Interest in environmental issues waxes and wanes.
When a symptom, such as pain or fatigue, comes and goes or varies in intensity.
Pain gets stronger and weaker. Natural for describing fluctuating pain.
この頭痛は強くなったり弱くなったりする。
This headache waxes and wanes.
Symptoms alternate between improvement and worsening. Often used in medical contexts.
彼の症状は一進一退を繰り返している。
His symptoms are waxing and waning repeatedly.
The English phrase 'waxing and waning' is idiomatic. Direct translations like 'ワックスして衰える' are nonsensical. Use the Japanese expressions provided based on context.
満ち欠け is specifically for the moon or things that physically wax and wane like the moon. 盛衰 is for abstract rise and fall of power, prosperity, etc. Do not use 満ち欠け for emotions or popularity.