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B2 noun, verb #7,500 most common 9 min read

枯渇

kokatsu Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 枯渇 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 枯渇 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '枯渇' (kokatsu) is a very advanced word that you usually won't need. However, you can think of it as a 'super' version of 'nai' (not there) or 'nakunaru' (gone). Imagine a bottle of water. If you drink it all, it's 'nakunaru'. But if the whole well in your village has no more water at all, that is 'kokatsu'. It is made of two kanji: 'wither' and 'thirst'. Even if you don't use the word yet, knowing that Japanese has special words for 'running out of big things' like water or money is a great first step. For now, just remember: Kokatsu = completely empty source.

At the A2 level, you might see '枯渇' in simple news headlines or weather reports about 'mizu' (water). If there is no rain for a long time, the news might say 'mizu ga kokatsu' (water is exhausted). It is a 'suru' verb, so you can say 'kokatsu shimasu'. It is much more formal than 'naku narimasu'. You use it for important things. If you are talking about your wallet being empty, you usually say 'okanega nai', but if a big company has no money, the newspaper uses 'kokatsu'. Think of it as a 'big scale' word for running out of something important.

At the B1 level, you should start recognizing '枯渇' in contexts beyond just water. It is frequently used for 'shigen' (resources) like oil or coal. You will also see it in creative contexts, like 'aidea no kokatsu' (running out of ideas). In B1 grammar, you might use it with 'shisou' (looks like) or 'osore ga aru' (there is a fear of). For example, 'Sekiyu ga kokatsu shisou desu' (It looks like oil will run out). This word helps you move from basic descriptions to more professional and precise language, especially when discussing social or environmental issues.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '枯渇' accurately in essays and formal discussions. You should understand its nuance compared to 'busoku' (shortage) and 'ketsubou' (deficiency). 'Kokatsu' implies that the supply source itself is empty. You will encounter it in business Japanese regarding 'shikin' (capital) or 'jinzai' (talent). You should also be comfortable with its noun form, 'kokatsu-shoutai' (state of depletion). At this level, you can use it metaphorically to describe your own mental state after a long exam: 'Kiryoku ga kokatsu shita' (My energy is completely drained). It marks you as an upper-intermediate speaker who understands register.

At the C1 level, '枯渇' should be a natural part of your vocabulary for high-level discourse. You should be able to discuss complex topics like 'IPv4 address exhaustion' (IPv4 adoresu no kokatsu) or the 'depletion of the ozone layer' (though 'hakai' is more common there, 'kokatsu' is used for the resources within it). You will notice 'kokatsu' in literary works to describe a character's spiritual or emotional emptiness. You should also be aware of even more formal synonyms like 'futtei' (払底) and know when 'kokatsu' is the superior choice for emphasizing the total drying up of a source. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's gravity and its impact on a system's sustainability.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '枯渇' and its place in the Japanese linguistic ecosystem. You can use it in philosophical or highly technical contexts, such as discussing the 'ontological depletion' of modern society or the 'entropy-driven exhaustion' of energy systems. You understand the historical weight of the kanji and can perhaps even use the word in wordplay or advanced rhetoric. You can distinguish between 'kokatsu' and 'shoukou' (extinguishing/vanishing) or 'moumoku' (depletion/blindness) in specific academic niches. To you, 'kokatsu' is not just a word for 'running out'; it is a precise tool for describing the terminal state of a finite resource or the existential void of a creative mind.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

枯渇 in 30 Seconds

Means 'depletion' or 'drying up' of a source.
Formal register; used in news, business, and science.
Commonly pairs with water, oil, money, and talent.
Implies a critical state of total emptiness.

The Japanese term 枯渇 (こかつ - Kokatsu) is a sophisticated noun and suru-verb that describes a state of total depletion or exhaustion. While it literally refers to the drying up of water sources, its utility in modern Japanese extends far into the realms of economics, creativity, and resource management. When you use this word, you are not just saying something is 'low' or 'missing'; you are emphasizing that the source itself has been drained to the point of emptiness. It is a word that carries weight, often suggesting a critical or dire situation that requires immediate attention or a change in strategy.

Literal Origin: The first kanji, 枯 (kare/ko), means to wither or die, often used for plants. The second kanji, 渇 (kawa/katsu), refers to thirst or drying out. Together, they depict a landscape where life-sustaining moisture has vanished, leaving only a parched, barren environment.
Metaphorical Depletion: In professional contexts, it is frequently applied to shigen (resources), shikin (funds), or jinzai (human resources/talent). If a company's budget is 'kokatsu' (枯渇), they are not just over budget; they are out of cash. Similarly, an artist might suffer from 'aidea no kokatsu' (枯渇), meaning their creative well has run dry.

長引く日照りにより、村の貯水池が完全に枯渇してしまった。
(Due to the prolonged drought, the village reservoir has completely dried up.)

Historically, this word was rooted in environmental observations. In a country like Japan, where agriculture and water management were central to survival, the 'kokatsu' of a well was a communal catastrophe. Today, this gravity is transferred to the digital and corporate world. We talk about the 'kokatsu' of IP addresses in networking or the 'kokatsu' of talent in specialized tech sectors. It is a formal word, most commonly found in news reports, academic papers, and serious business discussions. You wouldn't typically use it for small, everyday things like running out of milk; for that, you'd use 'nakunaru' (なくなる).

連日のハードワークで、彼の創造力は枯渇寸前だ。
(After days of hard work, his creativity is on the verge of exhaustion.)

The word also appears in ecological discussions regarding 'shizen shigen' (natural resources). The 'kokatsu' of fossil fuels is a recurring theme in Japanese climate discourse. Because the word implies a 'source' (like a well or a mine), it creates a mental image of a deep reservoir that has been emptied. This makes it particularly effective for describing abstract concepts like 'patience' (nintai) or 'energy' (kiryoku) when they are pushed to the absolute limit. It is a word about the end of a cycle, the point where nothing more can be given.

Using 枯渇 (Kokatsu) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and a suru-verb. It typically follows the pattern [Subject] + が + 枯渇する (The subject dries up/is exhausted) or [Noun] + の + 枯渇 (The exhaustion of [Noun]). Because it is a formal term, it is often paired with particles like 'ni yoru' (due to) or 'to tomo ni' (along with).

Category: Natural Resources: When discussing the environment, kokatsu is the standard term for depletion. It is used for oil, gas, minerals, and groundwater.
Example: 石油資源の枯渇は世界的な課題です (The depletion of oil resources is a global challenge.)
Category: Finance and Business: In business, it refers to the total lack of liquidity or funds. It sounds much more severe than 'fuzoku' (shortage).
Example: 運転資金が枯渇し、倒産の危機に瀕している (The operating funds have dried up, and the company is on the brink of bankruptcy.)

才能が枯渇することを恐れて、彼は新作の執筆を止めてしまった。
(Fearing that his talent would run dry, he stopped writing his new work.)

One important grammatical note is that 'kokatsu' describes a state or a process ending in a state. Unlike 'shouhi' (consumption), which focuses on the act of using, 'kokatsu' focuses on the resulting emptiness. Therefore, it is often used with 'shite iru' to describe the current state of being empty, or 'shite shimau' to express the regret of it running out completely. It is rarely used for temporary shortages; it implies a fundamental lack of supply.

地下水の過剰な汲み上げが、井戸の枯渇を招いた。
(Excessive pumping of groundwater led to the exhaustion of the wells.)

Finally, consider the emotional resonance. When applied to humans, it often relates to 'seishin' (spirit) or 'kiryoku' (vitality). If someone says their 'kiryoku ga kokatsu shita', they are describing a level of burnout that is deeper than simple tiredness. It is the feeling that the internal batteries can no longer hold a charge. This usage is poetic but powerful, making it a favorite in literature and high-end journalism.

While 枯渇 (Kokatsu) might seem like a word reserved for textbooks, it is surprisingly common in specific high-stakes environments in Japan. You will encounter it in news broadcasts, corporate boardrooms, and specialized technical fields. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the gravity the word carries when spoken aloud.

Environmental News: Whenever there is a drought (shinsui) or a discussion about global warming, NHK news will use 'kokatsu'. You'll hear about 'suigen no kokatsu' (drying up of water sources) or 'shigen no kokatsu' (depletion of resources). It sets a tone of impending danger.
The Tech & IT Sector: In the world of networking, 'IPv4 adoresu no kokatsu' (IPv4 address exhaustion) was a massive topic for over a decade. Engineers use this word to describe the mathematical limit of a system's capacity being reached.

「このままでは、来月には予算が枯渇してしまいます」
("At this rate, the budget will be completely exhausted by next month.")

In a business meeting, if a manager says 'kokatsu', the room usually goes quiet. It is a 'stop' word. It signals that the current path is unsustainable. You might hear it during 'jinzai busoku' (labor shortage) discussions, where a 'jinzai no kokatsu' (talent pool drying up) implies that there are literally no qualified candidates left in the market, rather than just being hard to find.

ネタが枯渇して、もう動画が作れないよ。
(I've run out of material/ideas; I can't make any more videos.)

Interestingly, you will also hear this in the 'Otaku' or creator community. YouTubers or Manga artists might joke (or lament) about 'neta no kokatsu'—running out of material or ideas. While the word is formal, using it in a casual setting for ideas adds a layer of dramatic hyperbole, suggesting that the creator's brain is as dry as a desert. This versatility—from global oil crises to a YouTuber's lack of jokes—makes 'kokatsu' a vital part of the B2/C1 vocabulary set.

While 枯渇 (Kokatsu) is a powerful word, English speakers often misuse it by applying it to situations where simpler words like 'fuzoku' (shortage) or 'naku naru' (run out) are more appropriate. The most common error is using it for small, countable items or temporary states.

Mistake 1: Using it for Everyday Items: You would not say 'Gyuunyuu ga kokatsu shita' (The milk has exhausted). 'Kokatsu' implies a source or a vast supply. For milk, use 'naku naru' (ran out) or 'kirete iru' (is out of). Correct: 牛乳がなくなった。
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Fuzoku' (Shortage): 'Fuzoku' means you don't have enough, but some still exists. 'Kokatsu' means there is zero left, and the source is dry. If you say 'shigen no fuzoku', you mean a shortage. If you say 'shigen no kokatsu', you mean the resource is gone forever. Example: 水不足 (mizubusoku - water shortage) vs 水の枯渇 (mizu no kokatsu - total drying up of water).

✖ 鉛筆が枯渇した。
〇鉛筆がなくなった。
(You don't 'exhaust' a pencil; you just run out of them.)

Another mistake involves the 'scale' of the noun. 'Kokatsu' is best suited for abstract nouns (creativity, patience, funds) or mass nouns (water, oil, talent). It is rarely used for discrete objects like books, cars, or shoes. If a store runs out of shoes, they use 'zaiko-gire' (out of stock).

✖ 時間が枯渇した。
〇時間がなくなった。
(Time 'runs out', it doesn't 'dry up' in Japanese usage.)

Finally, be careful with the passive voice. While in English we might say 'the resources were exhausted', in Japanese, 'shigen ga kokatsu shita' (the resources exhausted/dried up) is the standard active form used to describe the state. Using the passive 'kokatsu saserareta' is grammatically possible but sounds very unnatural unless you are specifically blaming a person for the depletion.

To truly master 枯渇 (Kokatsu), you must see how it sits alongside its synonyms. Each word for 'running out' has a specific flavor and register. Choosing the right one distinguishes a learner from a fluent speaker.

枯渇 (Kokatsu) vs. 欠乏 (Ketsubou): Ketsubou means a 'deficiency' or 'lack'. It is often used for vitamins (bitamin ketsubou) or love (ai no ketsubou). It implies that the amount present is below the necessary level. Kokatsu is more extreme; it implies the source is empty.
枯渇 (Kokatsu) vs. 払底 (Futtei): Futtei is a very formal, somewhat old-fashioned word meaning 'to be extremely scarce' or 'to run low'. It is often used for commodities in the market. While 'kokatsu' means 'empty', 'futtei' means 'nearly impossible to find'.
枯渇 (Kokatsu) vs. 尽きる (Tsukiru): Tsukiru is a native Japanese verb (kun-yomi) that means 'to be used up' or 'to come to an end'. It is more emotional and versatile. 'Un ga tsukiru' (luck runs out) or 'inochi ga tsukiru' (life comes to an end). 'Kokatsu' is the technical, Sino-Japanese (on-yomi) equivalent.

資源が枯渇する (Technical/News)
資源が底をつく (Idiomatic/Common)
(Both mean resources hitting rock bottom, but the second is more visual.)

When you want to describe a situation where you've run out of something but it's not a 'crisis', stick to naku naru. If you want to describe a 'shortage' where people are struggling to get what they need, use busoku. Use kokatsu when you are analyzing a system, a resource, or a deep creative well that has stopped producing. It is the word of environmentalists, economists, and exhausted artists.

By understanding these distinctions, you can avoid the 'clunky' feeling that comes from overusing formal words or using casual words in serious contexts. 'Kokatsu' provides that perfect level of gravitas for serious discussions about sustainability and capacity.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for thirst (渇) contains the water radical (氵), which is ironic because the word describes the total absence of water.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kəʊˈkæt.suː/

US /koʊˈkɑːt.suː/

In Japanese, pitch accent is 'Heiban' (Flat): ko-ka-tsu-

Rhymes With

Fukkatsu (Resurrection) Sakkatsu (Lively) Dokatsu (Threat) Kokatsu (Exhaustion) Katsu (Victory/Action) Hatsu (Departure) Matsu (Wait) Tatsu (Stand)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tsu' like 'su'.
Stress on the first syllable (should be even).
Confusing 'katsu' with 'kakotsu'.
Shortening the 'o' sound.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Kanji are N1 level, but the word is common in B2 news.

Writing 5/5

Writing the kanji for 'katsu' is tricky due to many strokes.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce if you know 'tsu'.

Listening 3/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

枯れる渇く資源資金不足

Learn Next

払底欠乏潤沢供給枯渇性

Advanced

枯淡渇愛渇水対策資源ナショナリズム

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

枯渇する、枯渇した、枯渇している

Noun + の + Noun

資源の枯渇、資金の枯渇

Cause + により

日照りにより水源が枯渇した。

State + つつある

資源が枯渇しつつある。

Conditional + と/ば

枯渇すれば、生活が困る。

Examples by Level

水が枯渇しました。

The water has dried up.

Simple past tense of a suru-verb.

お金が枯渇した。

Money ran out (very formal).

Subject + ga + kokatsu shita.

池の水が枯渇する。

The pond water will dry up.

Present tense indicates a future or habitual action.

アイデアが枯渇しました。

I ran out of ideas.

Metaphorical use of 'drying up'.

資源が枯渇する。

Resources run out.

Used for natural resources.

井戸が枯渇した。

The well dried up.

Literal usage.

エネルギーが枯渇する。

Energy will run out.

Abstract resource.

ダムが枯渇した。

The dam dried up.

Large scale infrastructure.

雨が降らないので、川が枯渇している。

Since it doesn't rain, the river is drying up.

Te-iru form showing ongoing state.

このままでは、食料が枯渇します。

At this rate, food will run out.

Kono mama dewa (at this rate).

古い井戸はもう枯渇している。

The old well is already dried up.

Mou (already) + te-iru.

石油が枯渇すると大変です。

It will be terrible if oil runs out.

Conditional 'to'.

彼の才能は枯渇してしまった。

His talent has completely run dry.

Shimau (regrettable completion).

資金の枯渇を防がなければならない。

We must prevent the exhaustion of funds.

Noun + no + kokatsu.

水源が枯渇し、村は困っている。

The water source dried up, and the village is in trouble.

Te-form used for cause and effect.

ネタが枯渇して、話すことがない。

I've run out of things to talk about.

Neta (material/topics).

地球の天然資源は、いつか枯渇するだろう。

Earth's natural resources will probably run out someday.

Darou (probability).

長年の研究で、彼の気力は枯渇した。

Through years of research, his energy was exhausted.

Kiryoku (willpower/energy).

政府は予算の枯渇を懸念している。

The government is concerned about the exhaustion of the budget.

Kenen (concern).

地下水の枯渇が深刻な問題になっている。

The depletion of groundwater is becoming a serious problem.

Natte-iru (becoming).

想像力が枯渇しないように、本を読む。

I read books so that my imagination doesn't run dry.

You ni (in order to/so that).

資源が枯渇した後の世界を想像する。

Imagine the world after resources have run out.

Ato no (after).

無理な経営により、会社の資金が枯渇した。

Due to unreasonable management, the company's funds dried up.

Ni yoru (due to).

情熱が枯渇することはないと信じている。

I believe that my passion will never run dry.

Koto wa nai (no possibility of).

化石燃料の枯渇に備えて、代替エネルギーを開発する。

Develop alternative energy in preparation for the depletion of fossil fuels.

Ni sonaete (in preparation for).

少子高齢化により、労働力が枯渇しつつある。

Due to the declining birthrate and aging population, the labor force is depleting.

Tsutsu-aru (in the process of).

作家にとって、インスピレーションの枯渇は死を意味する。

For a writer, the exhaustion of inspiration means death.

Nitotte (for/from the perspective of).

度重なる不祥事で、国民の信頼が枯渇した。

Public trust was exhausted due to repeated scandals.

Tabikasanaru (repeated).

IPv4アドレスの枯渇問題は、技術的に解決された。

The problem of IPv4 address exhaustion has been technically resolved.

Technical terminology usage.

彼は精神的に枯渇し、休暇を取ることにした。

He was mentally exhausted and decided to take a vacation.

Seishin-teki ni (mentally).

過度な森林伐採が、水源の枯渇を招いている。

Excessive deforestation is leading to the drying up of water sources.

Maneite-iru (leading to/inviting).

その国の外貨準備高は、ほぼ枯渇している状態だ。

The country's foreign exchange reserves are in a state of near exhaustion.

Hobo (almost) + joutai (state).

現代社会において、人間性の枯渇が危惧されている。

In modern society, the depletion of humanity is being feared.

Kigu-sareteiru (being feared).

知的好奇心が枯渇した時、学びは止まってしまう。

When intellectual curiosity runs dry, learning stops.

Toki (when) used for abstract conditions.

そのプロジェクトは、リソースの枯渇により凍結された。

The project was frozen due to the exhaustion of resources.

Tougetsu (frozen/suspended).

伝統文化の継承者が枯渇し、存続が危ぶまれている。

Successors of traditional culture are drying up, and its survival is in danger.

Ayabumarete-iru (in danger/doubted).

市場の流動性が枯渇し、取引が成立しなくなった。

Market liquidity dried up, and transactions could no longer be completed.

Ryudousei (liquidity).

彼の語彙は枯渇しており、同じ表現ばかりを繰り返す。

His vocabulary is exhausted, and he only repeats the same expressions.

Goi (vocabulary).

慈悲の心が枯渇した独裁者は、冷酷な決断を下した。

The dictator, whose heart of mercy had run dry, made a ruthless decision.

Jihi (mercy/compassion).

科学技術の進歩が、天然資源の枯渇を加速させている。

Advancements in science and technology are accelerating the depletion of natural resources.

Kasoku-saseteiru (accelerating).

存在論的な意味での『意味の枯渇』が、ポストモダン文学の主題である。

The 'exhaustion of meaning' in an ontological sense is a theme of postmodern literature.

Sonzairon-teki (ontological).

銀河系のエネルギーが枯渇する遠い未来を夢想する。

To muse upon a distant future where the energy of the galaxy has been exhausted.

Musou (musing/dreaming).

資本主義の極限において、欲望の枯渇という逆説が生じる。

At the limits of capitalism, the paradox of the exhaustion of desire arises.

Gyakusetsu (paradox).

創造力の源泉が枯渇したとき、作家は沈黙を選んだ。

When the fountainhead of creativity ran dry, the writer chose silence.

Gensen (fountainhead/source).

情報の洪水は、かえって真実への関心の枯渇を招く。

A flood of information paradoxically leads to the exhaustion of interest in the truth.

Kaette (on the contrary/paradoxically).

法治国家において正義が枯渇すれば、それは崩壊への序曲となる。

If justice is exhausted in a state governed by law, it becomes a prelude to collapse.

Jokyoku (prelude).

宇宙の熱的死とは、エントロピーが最大化し、有効なエネルギーが枯渇した状態だ。

The heat death of the universe is a state where entropy is maximized and effective energy is exhausted.

Netsu-teki shi (heat death).

魂の枯渇を癒やす術を、彼らは古代の哲学に求めた。

They sought the means to heal the exhaustion of the soul in ancient philosophy.

Iyasu jutsu (way to heal).

Synonyms

尽きる底をつく消滅消耗

Antonyms

豊富充実

Common Collocations

資源が枯渇する

資金が枯渇する

才能が枯渇する

アイデアが枯渇する

水源が枯渇する

労働力が枯渇する

枯渇を招く

枯渇の危機

精神的な枯渇

枯渇寸前

Common Phrases

ネタの枯渇

— Running out of jokes, topics, or material for content.

YouTuberがネタの枯渇に悩む。

資金枯渇

— A state where a company has zero cash left to operate.

資金枯渇で黒字倒産する。

資源枯渇問題

— The global issue of natural resources running out.

資源枯渇問題への対策を講じる。

インスピレーションの枯渇

— A creative block where no new ideas come.

インスピレーションの枯渇を恐れる。

水源地の枯渇

— The drying up of the primary area where water is collected.

温暖化で水源地が枯渇した。

人材の枯渇

— A lack of qualified people in a specific field.

IT業界の人材枯渇が深刻だ。

気力の枯渇

— Total mental burnout; having no willpower left.

連勤で気力が枯渇した。

在庫枯渇

— Running completely out of stock in a warehouse.

人気商品につき在庫枯渇。

情緒の枯渇

— Lack of emotional richness or empathy.

現代人の情緒の枯渇を嘆く。

枯渇性資源

— Non-renewable resources (those that dry up).

石油は枯渇性資源である。

Often Confused With

枯渇 vs 欠乏

Ketsubou is a 'lack' (like vitamins), while Kokatsu is 'running dry' (like water).

枯渇 vs 枯れる

Kareru is for plants withering; Kokatsu is for resources/sources disappearing.

枯渇 vs 減少

Genshou is just a 'decrease'; Kokatsu is the 'end' of the supply.

Idioms & Expressions

"枯渇を告げる"

— To announce or signal that something has run out.

貯金が枯渇を告げた。

Literary

"枯渇を恐れる"

— To be afraid of running out of ideas or resources.

才能の枯渇を恐れる作家。

Neutral

"枯渇に瀕する"

— To be on the verge of exhaustion.

絶滅危惧種が枯渇に瀕している。

Formal

"枯渇を免れる"

— To escape or avoid depletion.

奇跡的に枯渇を免れた。

Formal

"枯渇を補う"

— To make up for or supplement a depletion.

輸入で枯渇を補う。

Neutral

"枯渇を招く"

— To bring about or cause depletion.

浪費が枯渇を招く。

Neutral

"枯渇を見越す"

— To anticipate future depletion.

枯渇を見越して対策を立てる。

Formal

"枯渇を嘆く"

— To lament the drying up of something.

文化の枯渇を嘆く。

Literary

"枯渇を食い止める"

— To halt or stop the depletion.

資源の枯渇を食い止める。

Neutral

"枯渇を知らない"

— To be seemingly inexhaustible (never-ending).

彼の体力は枯渇を知らない。

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

枯渇 vs 枯渇

Sounds like 'Katsue' (starvation) or 'Katsu' (victory).

Kokatsu specifically refers to the state of a source being empty, not the act of starving.

資源が枯渇する。

枯渇 vs 払底

Both mean 'running out'.

Futtei is about market scarcity; Kokatsu is about the source itself drying up.

マスクが払底している。

枯渇 vs 消沈

Both start with 'Ko' or relate to energy.

Shouchin is 'depression/low spirits'; Kokatsu is 'exhaustion of a source'.

意気消沈する。

枯渇 vs 乾燥

Both relate to being 'dry'.

Kansou is surface dryness (like skin); Kokatsu is deep-source dryness (like a well).

空気が乾燥する。

枯渇 vs 磨耗

Both involve losing something over time.

Mamou is physical wear-and-tear; Kokatsu is depletion of a supply.

タイヤが磨耗する。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]が枯渇する

資源が枯渇する。

[Noun]の枯渇を招く

乱獲が資源の枯渇を招く。

枯渇に瀕している

その国は資金枯渇に瀕している。

枯渇を免れる

増資によって枯渇を免れた。

枯渇しつつある

才能が枯渇しつつある。

枯渇を知らない

彼の情熱は枯渇を知らない。

[Noun]の枯渇問題

IPアドレスの枯渇問題。

枯渇寸前だ

ダムの水は枯渇寸前だ。

Word Family

Nouns

枯渇 (Depletion)

枯渇性 (Exhaustibility)

Verbs

枯渇する (To exhaust/dry up)

Adjectives

枯渇した (Exhausted/Dried up)

枯れる (To wither)

渇く (To be thirsty)

渇水 (Water shortage)

枯死 (Death by withering)

渇望 (Crave)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news and professional writing; rare in casual daily chat unless hyperbolic.

Common Mistakes

Using it for time. → 時間がなくなった。
Time doesn't have a 'source' that dries up like water.
Using it for milk/groceries. → 牛乳が切れた。
It's too formal and the scale is wrong for household items.
Confusing with 'kareru' (to wither). → 花が枯れた。
Kareru is for the plant itself; Kokatsu is for the water it needs.
Using as an i-adjective. → 枯渇している状態
It is a noun or suru-verb, not an adjective like 'tsumetai'.
Mixing up the kanji 渇 and 渴. → 渇 (Japanese standard)
The stroke order and specific components differ slightly from the Chinese version.

Tips

Context Matters

Only use this word for 'sources' like wells, bank accounts, or creative wells. Avoid using it for individual items.

Kanji Precision

The right side of 渇 is often written wrong. Make sure to include the 'sun' (日) part correctly.

Professionalism

Using 'kokatsu' in a business meeting about budgets shows high-level vocabulary and seriousness.

Memory Hook

Think of the 'Katsu' in Tonkatsu. If you have no oil to fry it, your oil is 'kokatsu'!

Scale

Remember that 'kokatsu' is a 'large scale' word. Use it for global, corporate, or deep personal issues.

Suru-Verb

It functions as a suru-verb. You can say 'kokatsu shita' or 'kokatsu shite iru'.

Newspaper Reading

Look for this word in the 'Economy' or 'Environment' sections of Japanese newspapers.

Dramatic Effect

In casual speech, using 'kokatsu' for 'running out of jokes' adds a funny, dramatic flair.

Key Phrases

Listen for the phrase 'kokatsu no osore' (fear of depletion) in news warnings.

Related Words

Learn 'shigen' (resources) alongside 'kokatsu' as they are almost always used together.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **KO**i fish in a **KATSU** (cutlet) pan. The water has **KOKATSU** (dried up), and now the fish is being fried!

Visual Association

A cracked desert floor with a single withered tree in the center.

Word Web

Water Oil Money Ideas Talent Drought Empty Source

Challenge

Try to find three things in your life that could 'kokatsu' (e.g., phone battery, patience, bank account) and write sentences for them.

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango). Derived from Classical Chinese roots where '枯' refers to the death of vegetation and '渇' refers to the absence of water.

Original meaning: The drying up of a river or well, leading to the death of surrounding life.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it for people; it implies they have 'nothing left to give', which can be very harsh.

English speakers use 'depletion' or 'exhaustion', but 'kokatsu' is often more dramatic in Japanese news.

IPv4 Address Exhaustion (IPv4アドレス枯渇問題) Peak Oil discussions in Japanese media Creative burnout in Manga artist interviews

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Environmental Science

地下水の枯渇
化石燃料の枯渇
生態系の崩壊
再生可能エネルギー

Corporate Finance

キャッシュフローの枯渇
融資の停止
倒産リスク
資本注入

Creative Arts

スランプ
表現の枯渇
インスピレーション
模倣

Information Technology

IPアドレスの枯渇
メモリの枯渇
リソース割り当て
拡張性

Sociology

労働人口の枯渇
地方創生
継承者不足
コミュニティの衰退

Conversation Starters

"将来、石油が枯渇したら私たちの生活はどうなると思いますか？"

"クリエイティブな仕事をしていて、ネタが枯渇したことはありますか？"

"最近の異常気象で、ダムが枯渇しているというニュースを見ましたか？"

"日本の労働力が枯渇している問題について、どう対策すべきでしょうか？"

"やる気が枯渇してしまったとき、どうやってリフレッシュしますか？"

Journal Prompts

もし明日、世界のインターネットのIPアドレスが完全に枯渇してしまったら、あなたの仕事はどう変わりますか？

自分がこれまでに「才能が枯渇した」と感じた瞬間のことと、それをどう乗り越えたかについて書いてください。

資源の枯渇を防ぐために、個人ができる最も重要なことは何だと思いますか？

心の豊かさが枯渇していると言われる現代社会において、何が最も大切だと感じますか？

あなたの貯金が枯渇寸前になったと想像してください。最初にとる行動は何ですか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is grammatically possible but sounds very dramatic. Usually, people say 'juuden ga kireta'. Use 'kokatsu' only if you want to sound like a scientist talking about an energy crisis.

Mizubusoku is a water shortage (not enough). Mizu no kokatsu is when the water source has completely dried up (zero left).

Yes, but for their abstract qualities like talent, energy, or patience, not for the person themselves dying.

Both are vital. 'Ko' (枯) shows the result (withering) and 'Katsu' (渇) shows the state (thirst/dryness).

No, time 'runs out' (nakunaru) but it doesn't 'dry up' in Japanese. 'Kokatsu' needs a source-like noun.

Yes, it is often categorized as JLPT N1, but its usage is common enough that B2 learners should know it.

Almost never. It implies a loss of something necessary or valuable.

Use 'kokatsu-sunzen' (枯渇寸前).

It is 'IPv4 adoresu kokatsu mondai' (IPv4アドレス枯渇問題).

For a country's food supply, yes. For your lunchbox, no.