Translation guide
The English word "decadence" refers to moral or cultural decline, often associated with excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean moral decay, self-indulgent luxury, or an artistic/literary movement.
To describe a society, group, or individual falling into a state of low morals, corruption, or decay.
The most direct translation for 'decadence' in the sense of moral or cultural decay. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
その時代は退廃の一途をたどった。
That era followed a path of decadence.
Emphasizes moral corruption or falling into depravity. Stronger than 退廃, often used for personal degradation.
彼は快楽に堕落した。
He fell into decadence through pleasure.
Variant of 退廃, less common but used in literary or historical texts.
頽廃した文化。
A decadent culture.
To describe a lifestyle of excessive luxury, pleasure, and indulgence, often with a positive or neutral connotation (like 'decadent dessert').
Means 'luxury' or 'extravagance'. Often used for rich food, experiences, or lifestyles. Not inherently negative.
このケーキは贅沢な味わいだ。
This cake has a decadent flavor.
Literally 'to indulge in pleasure'. Captures the self-indulgent aspect of decadence.
彼は毎晩快楽にふけっている。
He indulges in decadence every night.
Means 'dissipation' or 'profligacy'. Strongly negative, implying wasteful indulgence.
Referring to the Decadent movement in art and literature, characterized by a rejection of realism and an embrace of artifice, symbolism, and often morbid themes.
Loanword from French 'décadence', used specifically for the artistic movement. Also used more broadly for a decadent aesthetic.
彼の作品はデカダンスの影響を受けている。
His work is influenced by Decadence.
Literally 'decadent school', used to refer to the Decadent movement in literature.
退廃派の詩人たち。
The poets of the Decadent school.
When describing rich food, do not use 退廃 or 堕落, as they imply moral decay. Use 贅沢 (luxurious) or 濃厚 (rich) instead.
このチョコレートケーキは濃厚だ。
This chocolate cake is decadent.
退廃 (taihai) is more about cultural or societal decline, often used in historical or artistic contexts. 堕落 (daraku) is stronger and more personal, implying a fall into moral corruption or depravity.
放蕩の限りを尽くす。
To indulge in every kind of decadence.