Translation guide
The English word 'ebb' refers to the movement of the tide going out, or a decline or weakening of something. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Describing the movement of the tide as it recedes from the shore.
The most common and natural word for 'ebb tide' or 'low tide'. It refers to the receding tide.
Describing a gradual decrease in strength, intensity, or prosperity.
Describing the natural fluctuation or alternating pattern of something, like emotions or situations.
While 'ebb' can be translated as 衰退 or 衰え, these words often imply a more permanent or serious decline. For temporary decreases, use phrases like 勢いが衰える or 弱まる.
引き潮 (hikishio) is the general term for the receding tide, while 干潮 (kanchō) specifically refers to the point of low tide. Use 引き潮 when describing the process, and 干潮 for the time or state.
引き潮の時間です。
It's ebb tide now.
引き潮になると、遠くまで歩ける。
When the tide ebbs, you can walk far out.
A more technical term for 'low tide', often used in weather forecasts or nautical contexts.
今日の干潮は午後3時です。
Low tide today is at 3 PM.
A verb phrase meaning 'the tide goes out' or 'the tide ebbs'. Very natural in conversation.
潮が引いてきたね。
The tide is ebbing, isn't it?
潮が引いた後、貝を拾った。
After the tide ebbed, I picked up shells.
Refers to the ebb and flow of the tide as a cycle. More literary or descriptive.
潮が満ち引きする様子は美しい。
The ebb and flow of the tide is beautiful.
Means 'decline', 'decay', or 'ebb' in the sense of weakening power or prosperity. Used for civilizations, industries, etc.
その国の経済は衰退している。
The country's economy is ebbing.
ローマ帝国の衰退は避けられなかった。
The ebb of the Roman Empire was inevitable.
Refers to a decline in strength, vitality, or ability. Often used for physical or mental decline.
体力の衰えを感じる。
I feel my strength ebbing.
Means 'momentum weakens' or 'energy ebbs'. Natural for describing a loss of force or enthusiasm.
彼の情熱は次第に勢いが衰えた。
His passion gradually ebbed.
Literally 'to go downhill', meaning to be in decline. More colloquial.
あの会社はもう下り坂だ。
That company is on the ebb.
Means 'rise and fall', 'prosperity and decline', or 'ebb and flow'. Often used in historical or business contexts.
歴史は国々の盛衰を繰り返す。
History repeats the ebb and flow of nations.
Literally 'floating and sinking', meaning ups and downs or vicissitudes. Common for life or emotions.
人生には浮き沈みがある。
Life has its ebbs and flows.
Directly means 'ebb and flow' of the tide, but can be used metaphorically for cycles.
感情の満ち引きに振り回される。
I'm swayed by the ebb and flow of emotions.