Translation guide
The English phrase 'rise and fall' describes movement up and down, increase and decrease, or the cyclical nature of success and decline. Japanese expresses this through various verbs, nouns, and set phrases depending on context.
Describing something that moves upward and downward, like a floating object, a person's chest, or a road.
A general verb for moving up and down. Can be used for physical objects, prices, or abstract levels.
船が波で上下している。
The boat is rising and falling with the waves.
His chest is rising and falling.
The noun form meaning 'up and down' or 'rise and fall'. Often used in compounds.
エレベーターの上下の動き
the up-and-down movement of the elevator
Literally 'floating and sinking', used for objects on water or metaphorically for emotional ups and downs.
木の葉が水面で浮き沈みしている。
The leaves are rising and falling on the water's surface.
Referring to fluctuations in value, quantity, or intensity, such as stock prices, temperature, or sound volume.
Same verb as above, commonly used for numerical or level changes.
株価が激しく上下している。
Stock prices are rising and falling sharply.
Means 'to fluctuate' or 'vary'. More formal and often used in economic or technical contexts.
気温が一日の中で大きく変動する。
The temperature rises and falls greatly over the course of a day.
Noun meaning 'increase and decrease'. Often used in reports or formal writing.
A colloquial pattern meaning 'goes up and down repeatedly'. Emphasizes instability.
最近、気分が上がったり下がったりしている。
Lately my mood has been rising and falling.
Describing the historical or metaphorical cycle of prosperity and decline.
A common compound meaning 'rise and fall' (of nations, civilizations). Often used in historical contexts.
ローマ帝国の興亡
the rise and fall of the Roman Empire
Similar to 興亡 but can also refer to the prosperity and decline of individuals, families, or businesses.
Describing someone's success and subsequent failure, or the vicissitudes of life.
Noun meaning 'ups and downs', especially in life, career, or emotions. Very common.
人生には浮き沈みがある。
Life has its rises and falls.
Literally 'success in life and downfall'. Used for dramatic career arcs.
彼の出世と転落は映画のようだ。
His rise and fall is like a movie.
Describing the modulation of voice, such as in singing or speaking.
Noun meaning 'intonation' or 'modulation'. Refers to the rise and fall of the voice.
彼の話し方には抑揚がない。
His way of speaking lacks rise and fall.
A more literal phrase meaning 'the rising and falling of the voice'.
日本語の声の上がり下がりに注意してください。
Please pay attention to the rise and fall of your voice in Japanese.
Both mean 'rise and fall', but 興亡 is typically used for large-scale entities like nations or civilizations, while 盛衰 can be used for smaller groups, families, or even personal fortunes. 盛衰 is slightly more literary.
Directly translating 'rise and fall' as 上がり下がり is not always natural. Use context-appropriate terms like 上下, 浮き沈み, or 興亡.
潮の満ち引きは予測できる。
The rise and fall of the tide is predictable.
For tides, use 満ち引き (flood and ebb) instead of 上下.
彼は人生で劇的な浮き沈みを経験した。
He experienced a dramatic rise and fall in his career.
人口の増減を調べる。
We examine the rise and fall of the population.
企業の盛衰は経営者次第だ。
The rise and fall of a company depends on its management.
A four-character idiom meaning 'the ups and downs of life; prosperity and decay'. Literary and somewhat dramatic.
栄枯盛衰は世の常だ。
Rise and fall is the way of the world.