悪化する
悪化する 30초 만에
- Formal verb meaning 'to worsen' or 'deteriorate.'
- Used for health, economy, relationships, and environment.
- Intransitive (uses 'ga'), causative 'akka saseru' means 'to make worse.'
- Common in news, medical contexts, and professional reports.
The Japanese verb 悪化する (akka suru) is a formal and versatile term used to describe a situation, condition, or relationship that is moving from a better state to a worse one. At its core, it combines the kanji for 'bad' (悪) and 'change/transformation' (化), literally meaning 'to change into something bad.' Unlike the more casual expression 悪くなる (waruku naru), which can be used for anything from food going bad to a bad mood, 悪化する is typically reserved for more serious, systemic, or objective declines. It is a 'suru-verb,' making it easy to conjugate and integrate into various sentence structures. You will frequently encounter this word in news reports, medical diagnoses, economic analyses, and discussions about social issues or interpersonal relationships.
- Medical Context
- When a patient's health declines or symptoms become more severe, doctors use 悪化する. It implies a progression of illness that requires attention. For example, 'The patient's condition worsened overnight' would use this verb to convey a clinical tone.
- Social and Political Context
- This word is the standard for describing deteriorating international relations, economic recessions, or environmental degradation. If two countries are on the brink of conflict, the media will report that their relationship is 悪化している (deteriorating).
- Interpersonal Relationships
- While you might say a friendship 'got bad' (waruku natta) to a friend, in a counseling or professional setting, you would say the relationship 悪化した to sound more objective and precise.
不景気で、治安が急速に悪化することが懸念されています。
(Due to the recession, there are concerns that public safety will rapidly worsen.)
In terms of grammar, it is an intransitive verb. This means the subject itself undergoes the change. You use the particle が (ga) to mark the thing that is worsening. For example, 状況が悪化する (jōkyō ga akka suru) means 'the situation worsens.' If you want to say something *made* the situation worse (transitive), you would use the causative form 悪化させる (akka saseru). Understanding this distinction is key to reaching intermediate proficiency. This word is highly productive in academic writing, news media, and formal business reports where precision is valued over colloquialism.
大気汚染が悪化すると、健康被害が増えます。
(When air pollution worsens, health damage increases.)
In summary, 悪化する is your go-to word for 'deterioration.' It covers the worsening of health, relationships, environments, and abstract conditions. While it sounds a bit heavy for everyday small talk about a burnt toast, it is indispensable for any serious conversation about the state of the world or personal well-being. Using it correctly demonstrates a high level of vocabulary and an understanding of Japanese registers.
Using 悪化する correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a suru-verb. It primarily acts as an intransitive verb, describing a change that occurs to the subject. The most common structure is [Noun] + が + 悪化する. This pattern is used to state that the noun in question is deteriorating. For instance, if you are talking about a cold getting worse, you would say 風邪が悪化する. If you are discussing the economy, 経済が悪化する. The simplicity of this structure is one of its strengths, allowing it to be used across many domains.
- Present and Future Tense
- To say something will worsen:
悪化する (akka suru). To say something is currently in the process of worsening:悪化している (akka shite iru). This continuous form is very common when describing ongoing trends like climate change or a declining market. - Past Tense
- To say something has already worsened:
悪化した (akka shita). This is used for completed events, such as 'The relationship deteriorated after the argument.' - The Causative Form (Making things worse)
- If you want to say a specific action or person *made* a situation worse, you use
悪化させる (akka saseru). For example: 'His comments worsened the situation' (彼の発言が状況を悪化させた).
無理をすると、症状が悪化する恐れがあります。
(If you push yourself too hard, there is a risk that your symptoms will worsen.)
Adverbs often accompany 悪化する to provide more detail about the speed or intensity of the decline. Common adverbs include 急速に (kyūsoku ni - rapidly), さらに (sarani - further), and 徐々に (jojo ni - gradually). Using these helps you paint a clearer picture of the situation. For example, 'The environment is gradually worsening' (環境が徐々に悪化している) sounds much more natural and informative than just saying it is worsening.
Finally, consider the noun form 悪化 (akka). It can be used as a standalone noun in phrases like 悪化の兆し (akka no kizashi - signs of deterioration) or 品質の悪化 (hinshitsu no akka - deterioration of quality). This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for building complex sentences. Whether you are writing an essay for the JLPT or explaining a medical issue to a doctor, mastering the patterns of 悪化する will significantly enhance your communicative ability.
In Japan, you will encounter 悪化する daily if you consume any form of media. It is a staple of the evening news, where anchors report on everything from the 'worsening of international relations' (国際関係の悪化) to 'worsening air quality' (大気質の悪化). Because Japan places a high value on formal language in professional settings, this word is the default choice for discussing negative trends in business and politics.
「最近、日韓関係が悪化しているというニュースをよく見ます。」
(“I often see news lately about Japan-Korea relations worsening.”)
In a hospital or clinic setting, 悪化する is the primary term used by medical professionals to describe a patient's condition. If you are a patient, you might hear a doctor say, 「これ以上悪化しないように、安静にしてください」 (Please rest so that it doesn't worsen further). It sounds clinical and objective, providing a sense of professional diagnosis that 悪くなる lacks. It is also used in patient charts and medical literature.
- The Business Meeting
- In corporate Japan, if a project is failing or profits are dropping, managers will use 悪化 to describe the situation. It helps to keep the discussion professional and focused on the facts rather than emotions. You might hear:
収益が悪化しています(Profits are deteriorating). - Weather and Environment
- Meteorologists and environmental activists use the term to describe declining conditions. While 'bad weather' is usually
天気が悪い, the *process* of the weather getting worse as a storm approaches is often described as天候が悪化する.
Interestingly, you also hear this word in documentaries and educational programs. When historians talk about the decline of an empire or the worsening of living conditions during a famine, 悪化する is the standard academic term. It carries a weight of seriousness and historical gravity. Even in fiction, such as in serious anime or dramas, characters might use this word to emphasize the dire nature of their circumstances.
If you are studying for the JLPT N3 or N2, you will see 悪化する frequently in the reading comprehension sections. It is often used to set up a problem that the passage then proposes a solution for. Recognizing it instantly will help you understand the tone and the stakes of the text. Whether it's the 7 o'clock news or a textbook on sociology, 悪化する is a key building block of formal Japanese communication.
One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is using 悪化する (akka suru) in situations that are too casual. Because it is a formal, Sino-Japanese word, using it to describe your pizza getting cold or your hair looking bad after a rainstorm will sound very strange—almost like you are writing a scientific paper about your lunch. In those cases, the simple 悪くなる (waruku naru) or ひどくなる (hidoku naru) is much more appropriate.
- Confusion with Transitivity
- Learners often forget that 悪化する is intransitive. You cannot say
「彼は状況を悪化した」(He worsened the situation). You must use the causative form:「彼は状況を悪化させた」. Remember: things worsen *on their own* with する, but you *make* them worsen with させる. - Overusing it for 'Bad'
- Do not confuse 'being bad' with 'worsening.' If a situation is already bad and staying that way, you say
悪い (warui). Use 悪化する only when there is a change or progression from a better state to a worse one. It is a verb of motion/change, not a state of being.
❌ 昨日のテストの点数が悪化した。
✅ 昨日のテストの点数が悪かった。
(Explanation: A test score doesn't 'deteriorate' in real-time; it's just 'bad' or 'lower than before'.)
Another nuance to watch out for is the difference between 悪化する and 劣化する (rekka suru). While both mean 'to worsen,' 劣化する is specifically used for physical degradation of materials, like rubber getting brittle or the image quality of a digital file decreasing. You wouldn't use 悪化する for a decaying battery; you would use 劣化する. Conversely, you wouldn't use 劣化する for a diplomatic relationship.
Lastly, pay attention to the particles. Beginners sometimes use を (wo) with 悪化する because they are thinking of the English 'worsen something.' In Japanese, the thing that is worsening is the subject, so it takes が (ga). Mastering this small grammatical point will make your Japanese sound much more natural and accurate.
Japanese has several ways to say 'to get worse,' each with its own specific nuance and context. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the most precise word for your situation. While 悪化する (akka suru) is the most general formal term, others might be more appropriate depending on what exactly is declining.
- 悪くなる (Waruku naru)
- The most common and casual way to say 'become bad.' It is used for food spoiling, weather turning sour, or a bad mood. It is much less formal than 悪化する. Use this with friends and family.
- 劣化する (Rekka suru)
- Specifically refers to physical deterioration or degradation of quality in materials. Used for batteries, plastics, digital images, or wine. It implies a loss of original performance or value due to age or environment.
- 衰退する (Suitai suru)
- Used for the decline of an empire, a culture, a city, or an industry. It suggests a loss of power, prosperity, or influence over a long period. 'The decline of the Roman Empire' would use
衰退. - 低下する (Teika suru)
- Means 'to fall' or 'to drop' in level or quality. It is often used for things that can be measured, like academic ability (
学力低下), temperature, or efficiency. It is more about a decrease in value or standard than a general 'worsening.'
比較表 (Comparison Table):
・健康:悪化する (Common), 悪くなる (Casual)
・経済:悪化する (Standard)
・機械の部品:劣化する (Specific)
・能力・質:低下する (Measurement focus)
There is also the term こじれる (kojireru), which is used when a situation (like a cold or a negotiation) becomes complicated and difficult to resolve. If a simple argument becomes a huge fight, you might say the relationship こじれた. This is more about complexity than just 'getting worse.' Furthermore, 深刻化する (shinkokuka suru) is used when a problem becomes 'more serious' or 'grave.' While 悪化 is the process, 深刻化 emphasizes the rising level of danger or concern.
By learning these synonyms and their specific domains, you can move beyond basic Japanese and express yourself with the nuance required for high-level communication. Choosing 悪化する for a medical condition but 劣化する for a battery shows that you truly understand the language's structure and cultural context.
How Formal Is It?
재미있는 사실
The kanji '化' (ka) originally depicted two people, one upright and one upside down, representing the idea of transformation or change.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing it as 'aka suru' (missing the double 'k' sound).
- Misplacing the pitch accent on 'su' in 'suru'.
- Slurring the 'ka' and 'su' together.
- Over-emphasizing the 'u' in 'suru' (it should be nearly silent).
- Treating 'akka' as a single syllable.
난이도
Kanji are common but require N3 level knowledge.
Writing 'akka' (悪化) requires remembering the strokes for 'evil' and 'change'.
Easy to conjugate as a suru-verb.
Can be confused with other 'akka' or 'aka' words if not careful.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Suru-verbs
勉強する、悪化する、改善する
Intransitive vs Transitive
状況が悪化する (Intr.) vs 状況を悪化させる (Causative/Trans.)
Noun + no + Noun
関係の悪化 (Deterioration of relations)
Adverbial form of Ni-adjectives
急速に悪化する
Conditionals (To/Tara/Ba)
無理をすると悪化する。
수준별 예문
かぜが少し悪化しました。
My cold worsened a little.
Simple past tense of a suru-verb.
天気が悪化しています。
The weather is worsening.
Present continuous form showing ongoing change.
状況が悪化する前に帰りましょう。
Let's go home before the situation worsens.
Using 'mae ni' (before) with the dictionary form.
彼の病気は悪化しませんでした。
His illness did not worsen.
Negative past tense.
気分が悪化しました。
My mood/feeling worsened.
Using 'ga' to mark the subject of change.
テストの点が悪化した?
Did the test scores get worse? (Note: casual use)
Question form in casual speech.
空気が悪化しています。
The air is getting worse.
Continuous state of decline.
これ以上、悪化しないでほしい。
I want it to not worsen any further.
Using '~naide hoshii' for a desire for something not to happen.
不景気で、生活環境が悪化しています。
Due to the recession, the living environment is worsening.
Using 'de' to indicate cause/reason.
無理な運動は、ケガを悪化させます。
Excessive exercise will worsen the injury.
Causative form 'akka saseru' (to make worse).
二人の仲が急速に悪化しました。
The relationship between the two rapidly worsened.
Adverb 'kyūsoku ni' (rapidly) modifying the verb.
放置すると、虫歯が悪化しますよ。
If you leave it, the cavity will worsen.
Using the 'to' conditional (if/when).
大雨で道路の状況が悪化した。
The road conditions worsened due to heavy rain.
Simple past tense in a descriptive sentence.
最近、治安が悪化しているそうです。
I heard that public safety has been worsening lately.
Using '~sō desu' to report hearsay.
ストレスは健康を悪化させる原因になります。
Stress becomes a cause that worsens health.
Causative verb used as an adjective phrase.
交渉が決裂し、事態が悪化した。
The negotiations broke down, and the situation worsened.
Compound sentence with 'te-form' (implied).
環境破壊により、地球温暖化が悪化している。
Due to environmental destruction, global warming is worsening.
Using 'ni yori' to indicate a cause (more formal than 'de').
不適切な処置が、症状をさらに悪化させた。
Inappropriate treatment further worsened the symptoms.
Causative form with the adverb 'sarani' (further).
経済危機の影響で、雇用情勢が悪化の一途をたどっている。
Due to the economic crisis, the employment situation is steadily worsening.
Idiomatic expression 'akka no ito o tadoru' (to continue to worsen).
彼は人間関係が悪化することを恐れている。
He is afraid that his human relationships will worsen.
Nominalized clause 'akka suru koto' as the object of 'osoreru'.
都市化が進むにつれて、大気汚染が悪化した。
As urbanization progressed, air pollution worsened.
Using '~ni tsurete' (as... progresses).
政府の対策が遅れ、被害が悪化した。
The government's response was delayed, and the damage worsened.
Chain of events showing causality.
このままでは事態が悪化するばかりだ。
At this rate, the situation will only get worse.
Using '~bakari da' to indicate a continuous negative trend.
薬の副作用で体調が悪化してしまった。
My physical condition worsened due to the side effects of the medicine.
Using '~te shimau' to express regret or an unintended outcome.
両国間の緊張が高まり、外交関係が深刻に悪化した。
Tensions between the two countries rose, and diplomatic relations seriously worsened.
Formal adverb 'shinkoku ni' (seriously) modifying the verb.
市場の混乱が続き、投資家心理が悪化している。
Market turmoil continues, and investor sentiment is worsening.
Abstract subject 'tōshika shinri' (investor sentiment).
管理体制の不備が、品質の悪化を招いた。
Deficiencies in the management system led to a deterioration in quality.
Using the noun 'akka' with the verb 'maneku' (to bring about/lead to).
長引く干ばつにより、食糧不足がさらに悪化する見通しだ。
Due to the prolonged drought, food shortages are expected to worsen further.
Using 'mitōshi da' to indicate a forecast or outlook.
不祥事の発覚によって、企業のイメージが急激に悪化した。
Due to the discovery of a scandal, the company's image worsened abruptly.
Adverb 'kyūgeki ni' (abruptly/sharply) for sudden change.
慢性的な人手不足が、サービスの質を悪化させている。
The chronic labor shortage is worsening the quality of service.
Causative continuous form 'akka saseteyiru'.
紛争の長期化は、人道状況をさらに悪化させる恐れがある。
The prolongation of the conflict threatens to further worsen the humanitarian situation.
Using 'osore ga aru' (there is a fear/risk that...).
適切なメンテナンスを怠ると、設備の老朽化が悪化する。
If you neglect proper maintenance, the aging of the equipment will worsen.
Using 'okotaru' (to neglect) in the conditional clause.
グローバル経済の停滞は、格差社会の歪みを一層悪化させている。
The stagnation of the global economy is further worsening the distortions of a polarized society.
Highly formal vocabulary like 'teitai' (stagnation) and 'yugami' (distortion).
その政策は、意図に反して雇用問題を悪化させる結果となった。
The policy resulted in worsening the employment problem, contrary to its intention.
Using 'kekka to natta' to describe a final outcome.
認知症の症状が悪化し、日常生活に支障をきたすようになった。
The symptoms of dementia worsened, beginning to interfere with daily life.
Using 'shishō o kitasu' (to cause hindrance/interference).
SNSでの誹謗中傷が、被害者の精神状態を著しく悪化させた。
Slander on social media significantly worsened the victim's mental state.
Formal adverb 'ichijirushiku' (significantly/notably).
過度な競争は、職場環境の悪化を招く一因となり得る。
Excessive competition can be a factor that leads to the deterioration of the work environment.
Using '~e uru' (can/is possible to).
為替変動が激化する中で、企業の収益が悪化している。
Amid intensifying exchange rate fluctuations, corporate earnings are deteriorating.
Using '~naka de' to set the background context.
法整備の遅れが、著作権侵害の状況を悪化させている事実は否めない。
It is undeniable that the delay in legal frameworks is worsening the situation of copyright infringement.
Using 'jitsu wa inamenai' (the fact is undeniable).
気候変動がもたらす自然災害は、途上国の貧困を悪化させる。
Natural disasters brought by climate change worsen poverty in developing countries.
Relative clause 'kikō hendō ga motarasu' modifying 'shizen saigai'.
マクロ経済の不確実性が増す中、財政赤字の悪化は避けられない情勢だ。
Amid increasing macroeconomic uncertainty, the worsening of the fiscal deficit is an unavoidable situation.
Sophisticated terms like 'fukakujitsusei' (uncertainty) and 'zaisei akaji' (fiscal deficit).
地政学的リスクの台頭が、国際エネルギー市場の需給バランスを悪化させた。
The emergence of geopolitical risks worsened the supply-demand balance of the international energy market.
Causative structure with complex abstract nouns.
伝統的な地域共同体の崩壊は、高齢者の孤立化をさらに悪化させている。
The collapse of traditional local communities is further worsening the isolation of the elderly.
Using 'koritsuka' (isolation) as the target of worsening.
その場しのぎの対応は、長期的には問題を悪化させるだけに過ぎない。
Makeshift measures will only worsen the problem in the long run.
Using 'ni sugisnai' (nothing more than/only).
過度な緊縮財政が、皮肉にも景気後退をさらに悪化させる結果を招いた。
Excessive austerity measures ironically led to a further worsening of the recession.
Using 'ironiku ni mo' (ironically).
生態系のバランスが一度崩れると、連鎖的に環境が悪化していく。
Once the balance of the ecosystem is disrupted, the environment worsens in a chain reaction.
Using 'rensateki ni' (in a chain reaction).
情報リテラシーの欠如は、フェイクニュースによる社会の分断を悪化させる。
A lack of information literacy worsens the societal division caused by fake news.
Focusing on sociological impact.
既存の権威が失墜する中で、ガバナンスの不全が悪化の一途をたどっている。
Amid the loss of existing authority, the failure of governance continues to worsen steadily.
Using 'shittsui' (loss/fall) and 'fuzen' (failure/dysfunction).
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— To continue to worsen steadily without any signs of improvement.
景気は悪化の一途をたどっている。
— To worsen even further than before.
事態はさらに悪化した。
— To worsen at a very fast pace.
彼の容態が急速に悪化した。
— To worsen to a serious or critical degree.
外交関係が深刻に悪化した。
— To worsen bit by bit over time.
環境が徐々に悪化している。
— To worsen suddenly and sharply.
景気が急激に悪化した。
— To halt or stop the worsening of something.
病状の悪化を食い止める。
— To lead to or cause a worsening of a situation.
不注意が事故の悪化を招いた。
— A factor that causes a situation to worsen.
それが状況を悪化させる要因だ。
— There are concerns that something will worsen.
治安の悪化の懸念がある。
자주 혼동되는 단어
English speakers use this for everything, but 'akka suru' is for serious/formal contexts.
Used for physical objects/materials, not situations or health.
Used for a drop in measurable levels, not a general 'worsening' of a state.
관용어 및 표현
— One misfortune after another (making a bad situation worse).
財布を落とした上に雨に降られるなんて、泣きっ面に蜂だ。
Idiomatic— To pour oil on the fire (to make a situation worse).
彼の余計な一言が火に油を注いだ。
Idiomatic— To have one bad thing happen after another; to add insult to injury.
遅刻した上に怒られて、踏んだり蹴ったりな一日だった。
Idiomatic— To poke a bush and have a snake come out (making things worse by unnecessary action).
余計なことを言って藪蛇になった。
Idiomatic— To get bogged down in a mire (a situation worsening and becoming hard to escape).
戦争が泥沼化している。
Formal/Metaphorical— Like rolling down a hill (worsening rapidly and uncontrollably).
業績が坂道を転げ落ちるように悪化した。
Metaphorical— To rub salt in the wound (to make a painful situation worse).
負けた彼に皮肉を言うのは、傷口に塩を塗るようなものだ。
Idiomatic— Dark clouds gather (signs that a situation is about to worsen).
プロジェクトの先行きに暗雲が立ち込めている。
Metaphorical— To gradually become poorer or worse off.
対策を立てないとジリ貧になるだけだ。
Colloquial— Blocked in all eight directions (a situation where things have worsened and there's no way out).
借金が増えて、もう八方塞がりだ。
Idiomatic혼동하기 쉬운
Both mean 'worsen'.
Rekka is for material objects (batteries, rubber). Akka is for situations, health, and relations.
タイヤが劣化する vs 仲が悪化する
Both imply a negative change.
Teika is a drop in value or level (grades, temperature). Akka is a worsening of condition.
能力が低下する vs 症状が悪化する
Both mean things are getting worse.
Suitai is for the long-term decline of civilizations or industries. Akka is more immediate or situational.
国が衰退する vs 景気が悪化する
Both are used in economics.
Geraku is specifically for falling prices or numbers. Akka is for the general economic climate.
物価が下落する vs 経済が悪化する
Both describe an increase in something bad.
Gekika means 'intensify' (like a fight or competition). Akka means 'worsen'.
競争が激化する vs 状況が悪化する
문장 패턴
[Noun] が 悪化しました。
病気が悪化しました。
[Noun] が 悪化しているそうです。
治安が悪化しているそうです。
[Noun] が 悪化するのを防ぐ。
虫歯が悪化するのを防ぐ。
[Noun] が 悪化の一途をたどる。
経営が悪化の一途をたどる。
[Cause] が [Noun] を 悪化させた。
大雨が状況を悪化させた。
[Noun] の 悪化に伴い、[Result]。
環境の悪化に伴い、対策が強化された。
[Noun] が 著しく悪化している。
収益が著しく悪化している。
[Noun] の 悪化を 深刻に受け止める。
治安の悪化を深刻に受け止める。
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
사용법
High in news, medical, and business contexts.
-
Using 'wo' with 'akka suru'.
→
Using 'ga' with 'akka suru'.
Akka suru is intransitive. You cannot 'worsen something' using just 'suru'. You need 'saseru'.
-
Using 'akka suru' for food.
→
Using 'waruku naru' or 'kusaru'.
Akka suru is for conditions and situations, not biological rotting of food.
-
Confusing 'akka' with 'aka' (red).
→
Properly pronouncing the double 'k'.
Missing the geminate consonant (small tsu) changes the meaning of the word entirely.
-
Using 'akka suru' for lower grades.
→
Using 'teika suru'.
Grades/scores are measurements, so 'teika' (falling) is more appropriate than 'akka'.
-
Using 'akka suru' for a battery.
→
Using 'rekka suru'.
Batteries are physical objects that degrade. 'Rekka' is the specific term for material deterioration.
팁
Particle Choice
Always use 'ga' for the subject that is worsening. Avoid 'wo' unless you are using the causative 'saseru' form.
Medical Usage
In a hospital, 'akka' is the standard word. If you want to describe your symptoms getting worse to a doctor, this is the most professional word to use.
Business Writing
In reports, use 'akka' to describe declining sales or market trends. It sounds objective and data-driven.
Akka vs. Rekka
Remember: Akka is for 'situations/health', Rekka is for 'materials/hardware'. Don't mix them up!
Idiom Alert
'Akka no ito o tadoru' is a great N2/N1 level phrase meaning 'to be on a steady downward slide'.
Pronunciation
Make sure to emphasize the 'kk' in 'akka'. If you say 'aka', people might think you are saying 'red' (赤).
Relationships
When describing a fight or a falling out, 'kankei ga akka shita' is a very clear way to explain the situation without being too emotional.
Kanji Practice
Practice the kanji for 'evil' (悪). It has 'heart' (心) at the bottom, suggesting something that feels bad in the heart.
News Keywords
News often pairs 'akka' with 'keiki' (economy) or 'chian' (public safety). Listen for these combinations.
Pairing with Improvement
Learn 'akka' and 'kaizen' together. They are the 'yin and yang' of change in formal Japanese.
암기하기
기억법
Think of 'AK-KA' as 'A Kold's Koming Always' (worsening health). Or, 'AK' (like an AK-47) causes things to 'KA' (change) for the worse.
시각적 연상
Imagine a red graph line plunging downwards into a dark pit. The line is the situation 'akka suru-ing.'
Word Web
챌린지
Try to find three news headlines today that use '悪化'. Look at the context—is it about politics, weather, or money?
어원
The word 'akka' (悪化) is a Sino-Japanese compound (kango) introduced to Japan via Chinese characters. It follows the standard pattern of combining an adjective (bad) with a suffix for change (transformation).
원래 의미: To transform or change into a bad state.
Sino-Japanese (Kango)문화적 맥락
When using this word about a person's health, it is very serious. Use with empathy and appropriate honorifics if speaking to family members of a patient.
English speakers often say 'it's getting worse,' but 'akka suru' is more like 'it is deteriorating.' It carries more weight.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
At the Doctor's
- 症状が悪化しました。
- これ以上悪化しますか?
- 悪化を防ぐ方法は?
- 夜になると悪化します。
In a Business Meeting
- 収益が悪化しています。
- 市場環境が悪化しました。
- 悪化の原因を調査します。
- さらなる悪化は避けたいです。
Watching the News
- 日米関係が悪化。
- 治安の悪化が深刻。
- 景気悪化の兆し。
- 大気汚染が悪化している。
Discussing Relationships
- 夫婦仲が悪化した。
- 友達との関係が悪化した。
- 空気が悪化した。
- 雰囲気が悪化している。
Weather Forecast
- 天候が悪化する見込み。
- 視界が悪化しています。
- 海上の状況が悪化。
- 午後はさらに悪化します。
대화 시작하기
"最近、景気が悪化していると感じますか?"
"風邪が悪化したときは、どうしていますか?"
"環境が悪化するのを止めるには、何が必要だと思いますか?"
"SNSの普及で、人間関係が悪化したと思いますか?"
"スマホの使いすぎで、視力が悪化しましたか?"
일기 주제
最近、自分の周りで「悪化した」と感じることはありますか?詳しく書いてください。
もし健康が悪化したら、生活はどう変わると思いますか?
ニュースで「関係が悪化した」という言葉を聞いて、どう感じますか?
過去に、悪化した状況をどうやって改善しましたか?
「悪化する」の反対、「改善する」ために毎日していることはありますか?
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, for food spoiling, use 'kusaru' (rot) or 'waruku naru' (get bad). 'Akka suru' is too formal and usually refers to abstract situations or health conditions.
It is intransitive. The thing that is worsening is the subject: 'Kaze ga akka shita.' To make it transitive, use 'akka saseru'.
'Hidoku naru' means 'to become severe' or 'terrible.' It can be used casually. 'Akka suru' is the formal 'to deteriorate' used in news and medicine.
Not really. If your score went down, use 'teika suru' or 'waruku natta.' 'Akka suru' implies a progression of a state, not a single data point.
You would say 'akka sasenaide kudasai.' This uses the causative negative form.
Yes, 'akka' is a noun. You can say 'akka o fusegu' (prevent deterioration) or 'kankei akka' (worsening of relations).
Yes, if you are writing about serious topics like your health or the state of the world. For small things, it might sound a bit dramatic.
The formal opposite is '改善する' (kaizen suru - to improve). '良くなる' (yoku naru) is the casual opposite.
Use 'rekka' for physical things like a smartphone battery, old tires, or digital image quality.
Yes, it is very common at the N3 and N2 levels, especially in reading and listening sections.
셀프 테스트 185 질문
Translate: 'The situation worsened.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'My cold is getting worse.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The relationship rapidly worsened.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Don't make the situation worse.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Public safety is worsening.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'akka suru' and 'health' (kenkō).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'akka suru' and 'economy' (keiki).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The weather will worsen in the afternoon.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I am afraid that the problem will worsen.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write the kanji for 'akka'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The air quality worsened due to the factory.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Signs of deterioration are visible.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'His condition worsened overnight.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The quality of the service worsened.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about environmental worsening.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The relationship with the neighbor worsened.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The recession worsened.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The injury worsened.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The conflict worsened.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'To prevent the worsening of the disease.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
How would you tell a doctor your symptoms are getting worse?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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How would you say 'The economy is worsening' in a business meeting?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Warn someone that pushing too hard will make their injury worse.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask if there are signs of the situation worsening.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The weather is worsening' to a friend formally.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Express concern about public safety worsening.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Don't make the relationship worse.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The quality has deteriorated.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The air is getting worse due to smog.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I hope it doesn't get worse.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Ask 'Why did the situation worsen?'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain that stress worsens your health.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The relationship rapidly worsened.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The company's earnings are deteriorating.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'At this rate, it will only get worse.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The patient's condition worsened.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Visibility is worsening due to fog.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The problem is worsening.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'The situation has already worsened.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'We must prevent worsening.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen to the phrase: 'Kaze ga akka shita.' What happened?
Listen: 'Kankei ga akka shite iru.' What is happening to the relationship?
Listen: 'Akka saseru.' Is this person acting on something or is it happening naturally?
Listen: 'Akka no ito o tadoru.' Is the situation improving or worsening?
Listen: 'Akka no kizashi.' What was mentioned?
Listen: 'Kyūsoku ni akka shita.' How fast did it worsen?
Listen: 'Jojo ni akka shite iru.' How is it worsening?
Listen: 'Akka o fusegu.' What is the goal?
Listen: 'Chian no akka.' What is getting worse?
Listen: 'Keiki no akka.' What is getting worse?
Listen: 'Hinshitsu ga akka shita.' What got worse?
Listen: 'Yōtai ga akka shita.' Who is being talked about?
Listen: 'Jitai ga akka shita.' What happened?
Listen: 'Sarani akka suru.' Will it get better?
Listen: 'Akka o maneku.' What does 'maneku' mean here?
/ 185 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'akka suru' when a serious situation (like health or the economy) moves from a better state to a worse one. It sounds more professional and clinical than 'waruku naru.' Example: 症状が悪化した (The symptoms worsened).
- Formal verb meaning 'to worsen' or 'deteriorate.'
- Used for health, economy, relationships, and environment.
- Intransitive (uses 'ga'), causative 'akka saseru' means 'to make worse.'
- Common in news, medical contexts, and professional reports.
Particle Choice
Always use 'ga' for the subject that is worsening. Avoid 'wo' unless you are using the causative 'saseru' form.
Medical Usage
In a hospital, 'akka' is the standard word. If you want to describe your symptoms getting worse to a doctor, this is the most professional word to use.
Business Writing
In reports, use 'akka' to describe declining sales or market trends. It sounds objective and data-driven.
Akka vs. Rekka
Remember: Akka is for 'situations/health', Rekka is for 'materials/hardware'. Don't mix them up!
예시
状況はさらに悪化した。
관련 콘텐츠
관련 문법 규칙
health 관련 단어
しばらく
B1잠시, 잠깐, 한동안.
異変がある
B1이상한 변화나 이상이 있음. 정상이 아니거나 잘못된 것이 있음. (비정상적인 상황이 발생함.)
異常な
B1비정상적인; 이상한. 정상적인 상태에서 크게 벗어난 것을 나타냅니다.
擦り傷
B1피부 표면이 긁혀서 생긴 상처. 넘어지거나 거친 표면에 스쳤을 때 생기는 가벼운 상처.
吸収する
B1스펀지가 물을 흡수한다.
禁酒
B1금주. '건강을 위해 금주를 시작했습니다.'
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1침구는 침과 뜸을 사용하여 신체의 질병을 치료하는 전통 의학입니다.
急性的
B1질병이나 상태가 갑자기 나타나고 진행이 빠른 상태. 만성적의 반대말.
急性な
B1Acute