Translation guide
The English verb 'wither' describes the process of drying up, shriveling, or losing vitality, most commonly for plants but also metaphorically for people, hopes, or body parts. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
To describe leaves, flowers, or plants losing moisture and shriveling, often due to lack of water or end of life cycle.
The most common and general verb for plants withering and dying. Used for grass, trees, flowers, etc.
水をやらなかったので、花が枯れてしまった。
The flowers withered because I didn't water them.
秋になると木の葉が枯れる。
The leaves on the trees wither in autumn.
Specifically means to wilt or droop from lack of water, but not necessarily dead yet. Often used for cut flowers or potted plants.
暑さで朝顔が萎れてしまった。
The morning glories wilted in the heat.
Means to shrivel up or deflate, often used for flowers closing or losing shape. Can also be used for balloons or hopes.
チューリップの花が萎んだ。
The tulip withered/shriveled up.
To describe a person, hope, enthusiasm, or skill fading away or declining.
General term for decline in strength, health, or ability. Can be used for people, powers, or abstract things.
年をとると体力が衰える。
As you get older, your physical strength withers/declines.
彼の情熱は衰えなかった。
His passion never withered.
Metaphorical use of 萎む (to shrivel) for hopes, dreams, or motivation disappearing.
不合格の知らせで、希望がしぼんでしまった。
My hopes withered when I got the rejection notice.
Means to dry up or be exhausted, used for resources, creativity, or ideas. More formal/literary.
アイデアが枯渇してしまった。
My ideas have withered/dried up.
To describe limbs or muscles wasting away due to illness, age, or disuse.
Medical/formal term for atrophy or shrinkage of body parts or organs.
長期間使わないと筋肉が萎縮する。
Muscles wither/atrophy if not used for a long time.
Literally 'become thin and slender', used for limbs or body becoming emaciated. More literary.
病気で彼の腕はやせ細ってしまった。
His arms withered away due to illness.
枯れる (kareru) means to wither and die completely, often turning brown. 萎れる (shioreru) means to wilt/droop but may recover with water. 萎む (shibomu) means to shrivel or deflate, losing shape. For plants, 枯れる is the safest general choice.
While 枯れる is for plants, using it for a person sounds like they are 'dried up' and is unnatural. Use 衰える (otoroeru) for declining vitality or やつれる (yatsureru) for looking haggard.