Translation and Meaning of: 滅亡 - metsubou

The Japanese word 「滅亡」 (metsubou) is composed of two kanji: 「滅」 (metsu) and 「亡」 (bou). This expression is often used to describe situations of destruction, ruin, or extinction. The combination of the two ideograms forms a term that suggests the idea of total annihilation or disappearance. In the historical and cultural context of Japan, 『滅亡』 can be associated with the collapse of a dynasty, the fall of an empire, or the end of a civilization.

Regarding the etymology of the kanji, the first ideogram 「滅」 (metsu) carries the meaning of obliterate, destroy, or disappear. This kanji is formed by the radical 「氵」, which is related to water, and suggests acts of erasing or dissolving something. On the other hand, the kanji 「亡」 (bou) brings the sense of losing or dying. This ideogram has the radical 「亠」 which symbolizes a way of covering or hiding, referring to the idea of loss or absence. Together, these components highlight the concept of a definitive end.

The origin of the word dates back to ancient times, being used in classical Japanese literature to describe catastrophic events or the fall of social structures. In contemporary language, 「滅亡」 still retains its dramatic aspect, often associated with science fiction narratives, such as the end of the world, or used in speeches about species extinction and environmental preservation. From this perspective, 「滅亡」 also invokes the urgency and gravity of such themes in modern social discourse.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 没落 (Botsuraku) - Decadence, social or economic decline.
• 絶滅 (Zetsumetsu) - Extinction, complete disappearance of a species.
• 崩壊 (Houkai) - Collapse, landslide, loss of structure.
• 壊滅 (Kaimetsu) - Total destruction, complete devastation.
• 消滅 (Shoumetsu) - Disappearance, termination, or annihilation.

滅亡

Romaji: metsubou
Kana: めつぼう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: fall; doom; collapse; undoing

Meaning in English: downfall;ruin;collapse;destruction

Definition: To disappear completely. The death of living beings.