移うつろう

う

つ

ろ

う

Meanings

1

godan verb (-u), intransitive verb

Describes gradual, often natural change over time, such as seasons, feelings, or circumstances. Emphasizes the process rather than a sudden shift.

季き節せつはゆっくりと移うつろう。
The seasons slowly change.
人ひとの心こころも時ときとともに移うつろうもの

だ

。

People's hearts also change with time.

2

godan verb (-u), intransitive verb

fade; wane; decline

Often used for things losing strength, brightness, or vitality, such as flowers, light, or popularity. Carries a poetic or literary feel.

花はなの色いろは移うつろいやすい。
The color of flowers fades easily.
彼かれの人にん気きもやがて移うつろうだろう。
His popularity will eventually wane.

Written forms

移うつろうUsage63%
Standard kanji spelling. The kanji 移 suggests movement or change.
うつろうUsage37%
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the nuance of change is not tied to the kanji.

Kanji

移shift, move, change

Similar words

変かわる
変わる is a general word for change, while 移ろう emphasizes a gradual, often inevitable shift over time, with a more poetic nuance.
衰おとろえる
衰える means to weaken or decline in strength or ability, often physically. 移ろう focuses on fading or waning in a more transient, aesthetic sense.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 移る (うつる, 'to move, shift') with an added suffix indicating ongoing or repetitive action. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the form is associated with gradual change.