Translation and Meaning of: 廃れる - sutareru

The Japanese word 廃れる (すたれる, sutareru) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances that reflect aspects of Japan's culture and daily life. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding the meaning, origin, and usage of this expression can open doors to a deeper understanding of the language. In this article, we will explore everything about 廃れる, from its translation to its cultural context, as well as practical tips for memorizing it.

廃れる is a verb that describes something that has fallen out of use, lost popularity, or become obsolete. Whether it's a fashion that is no longer in vogue, a forgotten tradition, or even an object that has ceased to be useful, this word captures the idea of something that has been abandoned by time. But how did it originate? And how do the Japanese use it in their daily lives? Let's find out!

Meaning and translation of 廃れる

廃れる is a Japanese verb that means "to fall into disuse," "to become obsolete," or "to lose popularity." In English, we can translate it as "to disappear," "to cease to be used," or "to go out of fashion." The word is often applied to trends, customs, technologies, and even places that have lost their shine over time.

A common example of use is when talking about ancient traditions that are no longer practiced. If a local festival has ceased to be held due to lack of interest, the Japanese may say that it 廃れた (すたれた, sutareta), meaning "has fallen out of use." Similarly, an outdated electronic device can be described with this word, indicating that it is no longer relevant.

Origin and composition of the kanji 廃

The kanji 廃 (はい, hai) is composed of the radical 广 (まだれ, madare), which represents a roof or building, combined with 発 (はつ, hatsu), meaning "to emit" or "to release." This combination suggests the idea of something that has been abandoned or left behind, like a structure that no longer serves its original purpose.

Although the exact etymology is not entirely clear, it is believed that the kanji has been used since ancient times to describe things that were discarded or lost their function. Over the centuries, its meaning has expanded to include not only physical objects but also abstract concepts, such as traditions and social habits.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 廃れる is a word that appears frequently in discussions about social and technological changes. With the rapid evolution of technology and trends, many products and customs become obsolete in a short time. This makes the term useful for describing phenomena such as department stores closing or toys going out of style.

Moreover, the word is also used in nostalgic contexts. Many Japanese people talk about places or traditions that 廃れた with a sense of longing, reminiscing about times when these things were valued. This emotional aspect makes the expression even richer and more interesting for those who study the Japanese language and culture.

Tips for memorizing 廃れる

An effective way to remember the meaning of 廃れる is to associate it with everyday situations. Think of something that was once popular but is now used by almost no one – like a landline phone or a DVD player. This mental image helps to concretely establish the idea of "falling out of use."

Another tip is to observe the kanji 廃 and note its relation to abandoned buildings. If you have seen photos of forgotten places, such as ghost towns or decommissioned factories, you can use this image to reinforce the meaning of the word. Associating the term with real examples makes it easier to memorize and use correctly in the future.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 廃れる

• 廃れます - polite form
• 廃れる - Neutrum form
• 廃れよう conditional form
• 廃れた - past form
• 廃れています - Progressive form

Synonyms and similar words

• すたれる (sutareru) - disappear, become obsolete; lose popularity
• おとろえる (otoroiro) - decline, weaken; deteriorate the capability
• はたおれる (hataoru) - to collapse, to fall due to weakness or fatigue
• くずれる (kuzureru) - to crumble, to collapse; to lose shape or structure
• くたびれる (kutabireru) - tiring oneself, exhausting oneself; to become physically or mentally drained

廃れる

Romaji: sutareru
Kana: すたれる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: go out of use; become obsolete; to die; fashion

Meaning in English: to go out of use;to become obsolete;to die out;to go out of fashion

Definition: As the popularity and demand decreased, people gradually stopped paying attention to them.