Translation guide
Expresses a general movement or tendency toward lower values, levels, or amounts. Japanese uses noun phrases, verbs, and set expressions depending on whether you are describing a trend in data, a gradual decline, or a sharp drop.
Describing a broad tendency for numbers, prices, or indicators to go down over time.
Standard compound noun meaning 'downward trend' or 'declining tendency'. Used in news, reports, and formal contexts.
出生率は下降傾向にある。
The birth rate is on a downward trend.
Focuses on a decreasing tendency in quantity or number. Common in business and statistical contexts.
売上高は減少傾向が続いている。
Sales revenue continues on a downward trend.
Used when quality, ability, or a measurable level is declining. Often for academic or technical descriptions.
学力の低下傾向が問題になっている。
The downward trend in academic ability has become a problem.
Referring to something moving or pointing downward, like a line on a chart or a physical slope.
Literally 'downward movement'. Natural for describing a line or arrow direction.
グラフは下向きの動きを示している。
The graph shows a downward movement.
Noun meaning 'fall' or 'decline', often for prices or market values. Implies a downward trend when used with trend words.
株価の下落傾向が続いている。
The downward trend in stock prices continues.
Emphasizing a slow, steady decrease rather than a sudden drop.
Pattern meaning 'gradually decreasing'. Use with any subject that can decline.
会員数が徐々に減少している。
The number of members is on a gradual downward trend.
Casual pattern for 'gradually going down'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
気温がだんだん下がっている。
The temperature is on a downward trend.
下降傾向 is the most general 'downward trend'. 減少傾向 is specifically for decreasing numbers/quantity. 低下傾向 is for declining quality/level/ability. Choose based on what is declining.
Directly translating 'downward trend' as 下向きのトレンド is not natural Japanese. Use established compounds like 下降傾向 or describe the movement with verbs like 下がっている.
Idiomatic phrase literally 'right shoulder descending', describing a graph line that goes down to the right. Vivid and common in business news.
売上は右肩下がりだ。
Sales are on a downward trend.