Translation guide
The English verb 'wither' describes the process of drying up, shriveling, or losing vitality, most commonly for plants but also metaphorically for people, hopes, or body parts. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
To describe leaves, flowers, or plants losing moisture and shriveling, often due to lack of water or end of life cycle.
The most common and general verb for plants withering and dying. Used for grass, trees, flowers, etc.
The flowers withered because I didn't water them.
The leaves on the trees wither in autumn.
Specifically means to wilt or droop from lack of water, but not necessarily dead yet. Often used for cut flowers or potted plants.
The morning glories wilted in the heat.
Means to shrivel up or deflate, often used for flowers closing or losing shape. Can also be used for balloons or hopes.
The tulip withered/shriveled up.
To describe a person, hope, enthusiasm, or skill fading away or declining.
General term for decline in strength, health, or ability. Can be used for people, powers, or abstract things.
As you get older, your physical strength withers/declines.
Metaphorical use of 萎む (to shrivel) for hopes, dreams, or motivation disappearing.
Means to dry up or be exhausted, used for resources, creativity, or ideas. More formal/literary.
My ideas have withered/dried up.
To describe limbs or muscles wasting away due to illness, age, or disuse.
枯れる (kareru) means to wither and die completely, often turning brown. 萎れる (shioreru) means to wilt/droop but may recover with water. 萎む (shibomu) means to shrivel or deflate, losing shape. For plants, 枯れる is the safest general choice.
While 枯れる is for plants, using it for a person sounds like they are 'dried up' and is unnatural. Use 衰える (otoroeru) for declining vitality or やつれる (yatsureru) for looking haggard.
His passion never withered.
My hopes withered when I got the rejection notice.
病気で彼の腕はやせ細ってしまった。
His arms withered away due to illness.