Translation and Meaning of: 絶える - taeru

The Japanese word 絶える (たえる, taeru) carries a deep and versatile meaning, often sparking curiosity among language students. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will understand how this word is culturally perceived and in what contexts it appears most frequently. If you are looking to learn Japanese efficiently, Suki Nihongo offers a comprehensive dictionary to assist in your studies.

Meaning and usage of 絶える

絶える (たえる) can be translated as "cease," "extinguish," or "disappear," depending on the context. It is often used to describe something that stops definitively, such as a lineage, tradition, or even a sound. For example, the expression 音が絶える (oto ga taeru) means "the sound disappears," indicating an abrupt or gradual end.

Although it seems simple, this word carries a nuance of purpose, often associated with irreversible events. Unlike other terms that indicate a temporary pause, 絶える suggests that something will not happen again. This distinction is important for those who wish to use the word correctly in conversations or formal texts.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 絶 is composed of two main elements: 糸 (ito, thread) and 色 (iro, color). Originally, it represented the idea of "cutting a thread," which evolved into the meaning of "interrupting" or "ending." This etymology helps to understand why 絶える is used for situations that involve a definitive cut, whether physical or abstract.

It is worth noting that the radical 糸 appears in other kanji related to actions of separation or termination, such as 断 (dan, to cut) and 続 (zoku, to continue). This connection between the characters can be useful for those learning Japanese and wanting to memorize vocabulary more efficiently.

Cultural usage and frequency

In Japan, 絶える is not an extremely common word in daily life, but it appears fairly frequently in historical, literary, or journalistic contexts. It is used, for example, to talk about species that are endangered or traditions that are disappearing. This association with cultural or natural losses reinforces its melancholic and definitive tone.

In media such as animes and dramas, 絶える may appear in emotional scenes, marking the end of an era or relationship. Its use in these contexts is often impactful, precisely because it conveys the idea that something cannot be recovered. For Japanese learners, observing these situations can help to better understand the application of the word.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 途絶える (totaeru) - Stop, interrupt; cease temporarily.
• 切れる (kireru) - Break, be cut; stop functioning or existing.
• 終わる (owaru) - Conclude; to reach the end of something, finish.
• 消える (kieru) - Disappear; to cease to exist, to no longer be visible.
• 止まる (tomaru) - Stop, remain still; cease movement.

絶える

Romaji: taeru
Kana: たえる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to die; to Peter; to extinguish

Meaning in English: to die out;to peter out;to become extinct

Definition: verb. Cut, cut.

Example Sentences - (絶える) taeru

See below some example sentences:

人生はいつか絶える。

Jinsei wa itsuka taeru

Life one day ends.

Life will end someday.

• 人生 (jinsei) - Life
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• いつか (itsuka) - someday
• 絶える (taeru) - finish, end