Translation guide
The English phrase "die out" refers to something gradually disappearing or ceasing to exist. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for species extinction, fading customs, dying sounds, and more.
To express that a species, family line, or group ceases to exist.
The standard term for extinction of a species. Used in scientific and everyday contexts.
この動物は絶滅するかもしれない。
This animal may die out.
Often used for family lines or traditions dying out. Can sound more literary.
その家系は絶えてしまった。
That family line has died out.
Emphasizes dying off completely. Stronger and more dramatic.
村人たちは皆死に絶えた。
The villagers all died out.
To express that a custom, tradition, or practice gradually disappears.
Commonly used for customs, fashions, or practices falling out of use.
その習慣は廃れてしまった。
That custom has died out.
General verb for disappearing; can be used for traditions when context is clear.
Casual and common for things ceasing to exist.
To express that a sound, fire, or natural phenomenon gradually stops.
To express that something gradually ceases to exist or be present.
Primarily for species, but can be used metaphorically for things disappearing completely.
この技術は絶滅しつつある。
This technology is dying out.
Formal term for complete disappearance, often used for abstract things.
その言語は消滅の危機にある。
The language is in danger of dying out.
絶滅する is for biological extinction or complete disappearance, while 廃れる is for customs, fashions, or practices falling out of use. Using 絶滅する for a tradition sounds overly dramatic.
恐竜は絶滅した。
Dinosaurs died out.
着物を着る習慣は廃れつつある。
The custom of wearing kimono is dying out.
Do not translate "die out" literally as 死んで出る or similar. Use the appropriate verb for the context.
Old traditions are dying out.
この辺りの祭りはもうなくなった。
The festivals around here have died out.
騒ぎが静まった。
The noise died out.