Translation guide
Describes plants, flowers, or leaves that have dried up, lost vitality, or shriveled. Also used figuratively for people or things that have lost energy or freshness.
Describing vegetation that has dried up, wilted, or shriveled due to lack of water, age, or season.
The most common and general term for withered plants, trees, or flowers. Implies they have died or dried up.
The flowers in the garden have withered.
Withered leaves are lying on the ground.
Specifically means wilted or drooping, often from lack of water. Can be used for cut flowers or potted plants that are still alive but limp.
I didn't water them, so the flowers wilted.
Means dried up or parched, often to a crisp. Stronger than 枯れた, implying complete desiccation.
The withered vegetables are no longer edible.
Describing a person who looks drained, aged, or lacking vitality; or abstract things like hopes that have faded.
Used figuratively for a person who has lost youthful vigor, often in a positive sense of mature, seasoned, or mellow. Can also mean 'dry' as in humor.
He is an actor with a withered (mature, seasoned) charm.
He tells dry (withered) jokes.
Means wilted or drooping in spirit; losing motivation or enthusiasm. Common in casual speech.
I failed and my spirits withered.
Means deflated or withered, like a balloon losing air. Used for hopes, dreams, or enthusiasm that have faded.
His dreams withered away.
Describing skin that is wrinkled, dry, or lacking elasticity, often due to age or dehydration.
Describes something wrinkled or shriveled, like an old apple or aged skin. Often used for skin that has lost moisture.
The old woman's hands are withered.
Means dry and rough, like chapped skin or dry leaves. Emphasizes lack of moisture rather than wrinkles.
My skin becomes withered (dry) in winter.
枯れる (kareru) implies the plant is dead or completely dried up, while 萎れる (shioreru) means it is wilted but may recover with water. For figurative use, 枯れる often has a positive nuance of maturity, while 萎れる is negative (loss of energy).