godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
Physical sinking in liquid or soft material; intransitive.
船がゆっくりと沈んでいった。
The ship slowly sank.
足がぬかるみに沈んだ。
My foot sank into the mud.
godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
feel depressed; become somber; be subdued
Metaphorical use for low spirits, gloomy mood, or a subdued atmosphere.
悪い知らせを聞いて、気持ちが沈んだ。
Hearing the bad news, I felt depressed.
会議の後、部屋の空気が沈んでいた。
After the meeting, the atmosphere in the room was somber.