Translation and Meaning of: 萎びる - shinabiru

The Japanese word 萎びる (しなびる) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. If you are studying Japanese or are simply curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and practical use can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will uncover the details of this expression, from its kanji writing to how it is perceived in everyday Japanese life.

In addition to being useful for students, knowing terms like 萎びる helps to dive into Japanese culture. Here at Suki Nihongo, we strive to provide clear and precise explanations, and today we will focus on how this word is used in different contexts. Let's start with the basics and then explore deeper aspects.

Meaning and use of 萎びる

萎びる (しなびる) describes something that has lost its firmness or freshness, usually due to dehydration or aging. It is commonly applied to vegetables, fruits, or flowers that wither, but it can also be used metaphorically for things that have lost vitality. For example, a piece of forgotten bread can しなびる, just like a person who looks tired and drained of energy.

The verb is intransitive, meaning it indicates an action that occurs by itself, without the need for an external agent. This differentiates 萎びる from similar terms that may require a cause. In the Japanese language, this distinction is important to avoid misunderstandings, especially in more technical or poetic descriptions.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 萎 (い) in 萎びる is associated with the idea of wilting or withering. It is composed of the radical for grass (艹), which indicates a relation to plants, combined with the component 委, which suggests something that bends or yields. This combination visually represents the concept of loss of vigor, reinforcing the meaning of the word.

It is worth noting that 萎びる is one of the kun'yomi (Japanese) readings of the kanji, while the on'yomi (Chinese) reading is "i". This type of duality is common in Japanese and can be a challenge for students, but it can also be a tool for memorization when understood correctly. The verb itself has been recorded in dictionaries for centuries, showing its roots in everyday language.

Cultural context and frequency of use

In Japan, 萎びる is not a rare word, but it is also not among the most frequently used in daily life. It appears more naturally in contexts such as cooking, gardening, or literary descriptions. A chef might mention that the ingredients しなびた when not stored properly, just as a poet might use the term to convey melancholy.

Culturally, the precision of Japanese in describing transient states — such as the process of wilting — reflects a sensitivity to subtle changes in nature. This aspect often connects to aesthetic values like wabi-sabi, which celebrates beauty in imperfection and transience. Understanding 萎びる goes beyond vocabulary; it is a window into this unique perception.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 萎びる

• 萎びる - base form
• 萎びて - Form Te
• 萎びます - Polished form
• 萎びない - negative form
• 萎びよう - potential form
• 萎びなく - Negative form I
• 萎びず - Negative form II
• 萎びている - Continuous form
• 萎びせる - causative form
• 萎びすぎる - Excessive form

Synonyms and similar words

• しおれる (shioreru) - Wither, usually used in reference to plants that lose vitality, becoming dry or wilted.
• 枯れる (kareru) - To dry, usually applied to plants that have died and become dry, indicating an irreversible state.
• しぼむ (shibomu) - Withering or dwindling, often used in fruits or flowers that lose their freshness and shape, but may not indicate death.
• しぼり落とす (shiboriotosu) - Extract or squeeze until dry or wilted, generally referring to removing moisture from something.

萎びる

Romaji: shinabiru
Kana: しなびる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to wither; to disappear

Meaning in English: to wilt;to fade

Definition: lose energy

Example Sentences - (萎びる) shinabiru

See below some example sentences:

彼女は失恋してから萎びてしまった。

Kanojo wa shitsuren shite kara shibirete shimatta

She wilted after experiencing a heartbreak.

She withered after her heart wasbroken.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 失恋して (shitsuren shite) - to have a broken heart
• から (kara) - since
• 萎びてしまった (shibite shimatta) - murchou / became depressed