Translation guide
The English phrase 'wiping out' can mean completely destroying or eliminating something, or in slang, falling or crashing dramatically. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these distinct meanings.
To express the idea of annihilating, eradicating, or wiping out an enemy, population, or thing.
To describe someone falling over dramatically, especially in sports like surfing or skateboarding, or a vehicle crashing.
General term for 'falling over' or 'tumbling'. Can be used for people on bikes, skateboards, etc.
スケボーで転倒した。
I wiped out on my skateboard.
We wiped out the rats.
Means 'to eradicate' or 'to root out'. Used for diseases, social problems, or deeply rooted issues.
天然痘は根絶された。
Smallpox was wiped out.
Means 'to exterminate' or 'to stamp out'. Commonly used for diseases, crime, or social evils.
マラリアを撲滅する運動。
A campaign to wipe out malaria.
Means 'to cause extinction'. Used for species or entire categories.
恐竜は絶滅した。
Dinosaurs were wiped out.
Borrowed from English 'crash', with '大' (big) added. Used for dramatic crashes in racing or extreme sports.
レースで大クラッシュした。
He wiped out in the race.
Means 'to fall spectacularly'. '派手に' adds the nuance of a dramatic, showy fall.
波にのまれて派手に転んだ。
I got wiped out by a wave and fell hard.
Direct loanword from English 'wipeout', used in surfing and skateboarding communities.
サーフィンでワイプアウトした。
I wiped out while surfing.