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B1 verb 11 min read

衰える

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 衰える in 30 Seconds

Explanation 衰える in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting your journey into Japanese. While '衰える' (otoroeru) might seem a bit difficult because it uses a complex kanji, you can think of it as a special way to say 'getting weaker' (yowaku naru). At this level, you don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, but you might see it in simple stories about old people or the weather. Imagine a battery that is slowly running out of power, or a person who is getting very old and cannot walk as fast as before. That 'slowing down' and 'losing energy' is what this word means. In A1, we usually use very simple words like 'yowai' (weak). But if you see 'otoroeru,' just remember it is a verb that means something is losing its 'power' or 'health.' For example, if a superhero loses their powers, or if a big storm stops being so scary, this is the word that is used. It's a 'state' word. You can remember it by the sound 'otoroeru'—it sounds a bit long and slow, just like the process of weakening itself. Don't worry about the kanji yet; just focus on the meaning of 'decline.'

At the A2 level, you are learning more verbs to describe changes. You already know 'naru' (to become), like 'yowaku naru' (to become weak). '衰える' (otoroeru) is a more specific and natural way to say this when talking about health or natural forces. At this stage, you should try to recognize it in weather forecasts. When a typhoon is mentioned on the news, they often say '勢力が衰える' (seiryoku ga otoroeru), which means the storm is losing its strength. This is a very common phrase! You can also use it to talk about yourself in a humble way, like saying your memory isn't as good as it used to be. It is an 'Ichidan' verb, which means it's very easy to conjugate: just change 'ru' to 'nai' for negative or 'ta' for past. For example: 'otoroenai' (doesn't weaken) or 'otoroeta' (weakened). Learning this word helps you sound more like a native speaker because native speakers prefer specific verbs over general 'adjective + naru' patterns. Try to use it when talking about aging or the weather, and you will see how much more 'Japanese' your sentences feel.

At the B1 level, '衰える' (otoroeru) is a key vocabulary item. You are expected to understand its nuances and use it correctly in context. This word is essential for describing trends, physical conditions, and societal changes. In B1, you should distinguish 'otoroeru' from 'yowamaru' (to weaken) and 'heru' (to decrease). Remember that 'otoroeru' implies a loss of intrinsic vitality or prosperity. It is perfect for describing the decline of an empire, the fading of a fad, or the weakening of physical faculties like eyesight and hearing. You will often use it in the '~te iru' form to describe a current trend, such as 'The economy is declining' (景気が衰えている). You should also be comfortable with the negative form '衰えない' (otoroenai) to describe things that remain strong despite the passage of time, like a veteran's skill or a classic movie's popularity. This word appears frequently in JLPT N3 level materials. Mastering it allows you to participate in discussions about social issues like Japan's aging population (shoushi koureika) and the subsequent decline in national strength. It’s a versatile verb that adds a layer of descriptive depth to your Japanese.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '衰える' (otoroeru) with precision in both spoken and written Japanese. This includes understanding its metaphorical uses and its placement in more complex sentence structures. For instance, you might use it to describe the decline of a person's creative output or the waning of a political movement's influence. You should also be aware of its collocations, such as '勢いが衰える' (momentum abates) or '機能が衰える' (functions decline). At this level, you can start comparing it with its Sino-Japanese counterpart, '衰退する' (suitai suru), which is used for more formal or academic contexts. You'll notice 'otoroeru' is often used in literature to create a specific mood—one of sadness or resignation to the natural cycle of life. You should also be able to recognize the kanji '衰' and understand its components. In writing, using 'otoroeru' instead of 'yowaku naru' shows a higher command of the language and a better grasp of 'wago' (native Japanese words) which carry more emotional weight. You should also be careful with the particle 'ga' (intransitive) and never use 'wo' with this verb. Practice using it in essays about history or health to demonstrate your range.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '衰える' (otoroeru) should extend to its literary and historical connotations. You should be able to appreciate how this word is used in classical-style modern prose to evoke the concept of 'mono no aware.' It is not just about 'weakening' but about the inevitable transition from a peak to a trough. You should be able to analyze texts that use 'otoroeru' to describe the 'evening' of a civilization or the 'autumn' of a career. At this level, you should also be familiar with related idioms and four-character compounds (yojijukugo) that use the kanji '衰', such as '盛者必衰' (jousha hissui), which means that the prosperous must inevitably decline—a central theme in Japanese literature like the 'Tale of the Heike.' Your usage should be flawless, distinguishing it from 'sutareru' (falling out of fashion) and 'shibomu' (withering) in highly nuanced contexts. You might use it in a business presentation to describe a 'declining market' (衰えつつある市場) with a sense of gravity. Your ability to use 'otoroeru' to describe abstract concepts like 'intellectual curiosity' or 'national prestige' will mark you as a sophisticated speaker who understands the deeper philosophical underpinnings of the Japanese language.

At the C2 level, '衰える' (otoroeru) is a word you use with complete mastery, understanding its every nuance, historical evolution, and stylistic placement. You can discuss the etymological roots of the kanji—representing mourning clothes—and how that informs the word's sense of loss and transition. You are capable of using it in high-level academic discourse, perhaps contrasting the 'otoroeru' of biological systems with the 'suitai' of socio-political structures. You understand its role in creating 'tone' in literature, where the choice of 'otoroeru' over a more clinical term can signal a character's emotional state or the author's world-view. You can effortlessly weave it into discussions about entropy, the second law of thermodynamics, or the cyclical nature of history. Furthermore, you can identify and use rare or archaic forms and derivatives in poetic contexts. Your command of the word allows you to use it ironically or metaphorically in ways that only a near-native or highly educated speaker could. Whether you are translating complex philosophical texts or engaging in deep cultural analysis, '衰える' serves as a precise instrument in your linguistic toolkit, allowing you to describe the fading of the light, the cooling of passion, and the inevitable decay of all things with both accuracy and grace.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

衰える in 30 Seconds

Otoroeru means to weaken or decline, often used for health, power, or weather.
It is an intransitive verb, describing a process happening to the subject.
Common pairings include physical strength (tairyoku) and popularity (ninki).
It differs from 'yowamaru' by implying a loss of internal vitality.

The Japanese verb 衰える (おとろえる - otoroeru) is a sophisticated yet essential term that describes a gradual decline, weakening, or loss of vigor. At its core, it signifies a transition from a state of strength, prosperity, or health into a state of diminished capacity. Unlike simple words for 'weak,' otoroeru implies a process of decay or the natural fading of power over time. It is a B1-level word that bridges the gap between everyday conversation and more formal, descriptive Japanese. When you use this word, you are often talking about the inevitable passage of time or the loss of intensity in natural and social phenomena.

Physical Decline: The most common use of otoroeru relates to the human body. As people age, their physical strength (体力 - tairyoku), eyesight (視力 - shiryoku), and memory (記憶力 - kiokuryoku) naturally begin to decline. It isn't a sudden break, but a slow, continuous weakening. For example, an athlete might notice their stamina is fading after years of competition.

年をとると、どうしても体力が衰えるものだ。
(As one grows older, physical strength naturally declines.)

Abstract Power and Influence: The word extends beyond the physical realm to describe the waning of influence, popularity, or authority. A once-great empire, a popular fashion trend, or a political party's power can all be said to otoroeru. It suggests a loss of the 'momentum' or 'spark' that once made the subject dominant. If a famous singer's popularity starts to drop, fans might use this word to describe the fading of their 'star power.'

Natural Phenomena: In weather reporting, this word is frequently used to describe storms or typhoons losing their intensity. When a typhoon moves from the sea onto land, it loses the energy source of warm water, and its winds 'abate' or 'weaken.' This is a specific, high-frequency context you will encounter in news broadcasts across Japan.

台風の勢力は次第に衰えてきた。
(The typhoon's strength gradually began to abate.)

Culturally, the concept of otoroeru is tied to the Japanese aesthetic of mono no aware—the pathos of things or a sensitivity to ephemerality. There is an inherent understanding in the Japanese language that all things that flourish must eventually decline. Whether it is the falling of cherry blossoms or the aging of a master craftsman, otoroeru captures the poignant reality of life's cycles. It is not necessarily a negative word; rather, it is a realistic description of the natural order. Understanding this word helps learners describe changes in health, business trends, and the environment with the nuance expected of an intermediate speaker.

その国の経済力は、近年急速に衰えている。
(That country's economic power has been declining rapidly in recent years.)

彼の情熱は、何年経っても全く衰えない。
(His passion does not fade at all, no matter how many years pass.)

文明が衰える原因を調査する。
(Investigate the causes of a civilization's decline.)

Using 衰える (otoroeru) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as an intransitive verb and its typical collocations. Since it is an Ichidan (Group 2) verb, its conjugations are straightforward: otoroeru (dictionary), otoroenai (negative), otoroeta (past), and otoroete (te-form). Because it describes a state of decline, it is very frequently used in the ~te iru form (衰えている) to describe an ongoing state or a current trend of weakening.

Grammar Pattern: [Subject] が衰える: The particle が (ga) is almost always used to identify the thing that is weakening. You are describing an inherent change in the subject itself. Common subjects include 視力 (eyesight), 体力 (physical strength), 記憶力 (memory), 権力 (power), 勢い (momentum), and 景気 (economic conditions).

老いるに従って、記憶力が衰えてきた。
(As I grow old, my memory has begun to decline.)

Describing Lack of Decline: 衰えない: One of the most powerful ways to use this word is in the negative form to emphasize that something is not weakening despite expectations. It is often used as a compliment for elderly people who remain vigorous or for trends that remain stubbornly popular. Phrases like 'unfading popularity' (衰えない人気) are common in marketing and journalism.

あの俳優の人気は、６０代になっても全く衰えない。
(That actor's popularity hasn't faded at all, even in his 60s.)

The 'Result' Aspect: 衰えた: Using the past tense otoroeta often functions as an adjective to describe the current state of something that has already weakened. For example, otoroeta karada (a weakened body) or otoroeta kuni (a declined nation). This usage focuses on the result of the process rather than the process itself.

衰えた体力を取り戻すために、毎日歩いている。
(I walk every day to regain my weakened physical strength.)

When constructing sentences, remember that otoroeru implies a loss of intrinsic quality or power. If you are talking about something simply getting smaller (like a budget), use heru (減る). If you are talking about something getting slower (like a car), use osoku naru (遅くなる). Otoroeru is reserved for the 'soul' or 'vitality' of the subject. It is the difference between a fire getting smaller (hi ga chiisaku naru) and a fire losing its heat and intensity (hi no ikioi ga otoroeru). Mastering this distinction allows you to speak with a level of precision that signals your advancement into the upper-intermediate levels of Japanese proficiency.

嵐が衰えるのを待ってから出発しましょう。
(Let's wait for the storm to abate before we depart.)

伝統的な技術が衰えるのは悲しいことだ。
(It is sad that traditional techniques are declining.)

衰える (otoroeru) is a word that appears across a wide spectrum of Japanese life, from the evening news to heart-to-heart conversations between family members. Understanding the contexts where it naturally occurs will help you recognize it instantly. It is particularly prevalent in discussions about Japan's aging society, sports analysis, and weather reports. Because Japan has the world's oldest population, the concept of 'physical decline' (tairyoku no otoroeru) is a frequent topic in health segments on television and in magazines aimed at the elderly.

News and Economy: In economic news, you will hear otoroeru used to describe the waning influence of a currency or the slowing down of economic growth. NHK reporters might say 'Keiki no ikioi ga otoroete iru' (The momentum of the economy is weakening). It conveys a sense of seriousness and scale that simpler words like 'yowai' (weak) cannot match. It suggests a systemic or structural decline rather than a temporary dip.

日本のアニメの人気は世界中で全く衰えていません。
(The popularity of Japanese anime shows no signs of waning worldwide.)

Sports Commentary: Sports analysts use this word when discussing veteran players. When a legendary baseball player's batting average drops or a soccer player can no longer run for 90 minutes, commentators will discuss whether their 'shintai nouryoku' (physical ability) has otoroeta. Conversely, if a veteran performs well, they will marvel at how their skills have 'not declined' (otoroete inai).

Family and Health: In more personal settings, you might hear a grandparent sighing, 'Toshi no sei ka, me ga otoroete kita' (Maybe it's because of age, but my eyes are failing). It is a humble and direct way to acknowledge the effects of aging. Doctors also use this term when explaining a patient's condition to their family, as it sounds more professional and objective than 'yowaku naru.'

病気のために、彼の体力は急激に衰えた。
(Due to illness, his physical strength declined rapidly.)

Finally, you will find otoroeru in historical documentaries and literature. When talking about the 'Fall of Rome' or the 'End of the Samurai Era,' historians use this word to describe the slow rot or the fading of once-unstoppable forces. It creates a vivid image of a candle flame flickering out or a mighty tree losing its leaves. By paying attention to these different domains—news, sports, family, and history—you will see how otoroeru is an indispensable tool for describing the inevitable changes that define our world. It is a word that carries the weight of reality, making your Japanese sound more mature and observant.

かつての巨大な帝国も、内部から衰えていった。
(The once-giant empire also declined from within.)

雨脚が衰えるまで、ここで雨宿りしましょう。
(Let's take shelter from the rain here until the downpour abates.)

While 衰える (otoroeru) is a versatile verb, learners often confuse it with other words that mean 'to weaken' or 'to decrease.' Because Japanese has many synonyms with subtle differences, using the wrong one can make your sentence sound unnatural or even slightly nonsensical. The most common pitfall is using otoroeru when you should be using yowamaru (弱まる) or heru (減る).

Mistake 1: Otoroeru vs. Yowamaru: Yowamaru (弱まる) typically refers to the intensity of a force or influence decreasing. While they overlap (especially with weather), yowamaru is more general. Otoroeru is more specific to a loss of vitality or prosperity. You can say 'the wind weakened' (kaze ga yowamatta), but if you say 'the wind otoroeta,' it sounds more like the storm is dying out completely and losing its very nature as a storm.

❌ 彼の声が衰えた。
✅ 彼の声が 小さくなった or 弱まった。
(His voice became smaller/weaker. 'Otoroeru' sounds like his voice-box is physically decaying.)

Mistake 2: Confusing with Heru (減る): Heru (減る) means 'to decrease in number or amount.' Otoroeru means 'to decrease in quality or strength.' You cannot use otoroeru for countable things like money, population, or books. If a population is declining, you use genshou suru (減少する). If the power of that population is declining, you use otoroeru.

Mistake 3: Transitive vs. Intransitive: Learners sometimes try to use otoroeru as a transitive verb. Remember: otoroeru is something that happens to the subject on its own. You cannot 'otoroeru' a project or a person. If you want to say you weakened something, you should use yowameru (弱める) or suitae saseru (衰退させる).

❌ 彼は敵の力を衰えた。
✅ 彼は敵の力を 弱めた。
(He weakened the enemy's power.)

Another nuance to watch out for is the subject matter. Otoroeru is generally not used for emotions like 'sadness' or 'anger.' For emotions, Japanese people usually say 'osamaru' (to calm down) or 'yawaragu' (to soften). If you say 'my anger otoroeta,' it sounds like your ability to feel anger has withered away permanently due to old age, rather than you just feeling less angry in the moment. By avoiding these common errors and sticking to physical strength, popularity, and natural forces, your usage of otoroeru will sound natural and precise.

❌ 貯金が衰えた。
✅ 貯金が 減った。
(Savings decreased. Savings cannot 'wither.')

❌ 速度が衰えた。
✅ 速度が 落ちた。
(Speed dropped. Speed doesn't have vitality.)

To truly master 衰える (otoroeru), it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each word has its own specific flavor and 'territory' in the Japanese language. Knowing when to choose otoroeru over suibai or sutareru will elevate your writing from basic to advanced.

衰退する (Suitai suru): This is the formal, Sino-Japanese (Kango) version of otoroeru. While otoroeru is a verb used for people and things, suitai suru is almost exclusively used for large-scale concepts like industries, civilizations, or economies. You wouldn't say your grandmother's eyesight is 'suitai' doing, but you would say the coal industry is 'suitai' doing.

廃れる (Sutareru): This word specifically means 'to go out of fashion' or 'to fall into disuse.' While otoroeru means losing strength, sutareru means losing relevance. A tradition might otoroeru (get weaker in practice) or sutareru (nobody does it anymore). It is often used for slang or trends that are no longer 'cool.'

弱まる (Yowamaru): As mentioned in the mistakes section, this is the most common alternative. Use yowamaru for things that vary in strength but aren't necessarily 'dying.' A signal might yowamaru (get weak), but it doesn't otoroeru unless the whole broadcasting system is collapsing.

流行はすぐに廃れてしまうものだ。
(Fads are things that quickly go out of style.)

萎む (Shibomu): This word means 'to wither' or 'to deflate' (like a balloon or a flower). While otoroeru is more abstract, shibomu is very physical. If your dreams feel like they are getting smaller, you might poetically say 'yume ga shibomu.'

In summary, 衰える is your 'middle-ground' word. It is more sophisticated than yowamaru, less technical than suitai suru, and more focused on vitality than sutareru. When you want to describe a person's aging process, the decline of a great city, or the fading of a storm, otoroeru is almost always the most natural and evocative choice. By building a network of these similar words, you can navigate the nuances of Japanese and express complex ideas about change and time with confidence.

産業が衰退すると、失業者が増える。
(When an industry declines, unemployment increases.)

風が弱まった隙に外へ出た。
(I went outside during a gap when the wind had weakened.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Japanese, 'otoroeru' was sometimes associated with the concept of 'mourning,' as the visual of the kanji suggests. Today, that connection is lost, and it solely refers to general decline.

Pronunciation Guide

UK o.to.ɾo.e.ɾɯ

US o.to.ɾo.e.ɾu

Heiban (Flat) style. The pitch remains relatively level, though it might drop slightly at the end depending on the sentence context.

Rhymes With

Kikoeru (to hear) Mieru (to be seen) Toraeru (to catch) Kotaeru (to answer) Osaeru (to suppress) Tonaeru (to recite) Ataeru (to give) Kanaeru (to fulfill)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ro' as a heavy English 'R'.
Extending the 'e' sound too long.
Failing to pronounce the 'o' sounds clearly.
Adding a stress on the wrong syllable.
Confusing 'otoroeru' with 'odoroku' (to be surprised) due to similar sounds.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji is complex but common in news and literature.

Writing 5/5

The kanji '衰' is difficult to write from memory for intermediate learners.

Speaking 3/5

The conjugation is simple (Ichidan), and it's a useful descriptive verb.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognizable once you know the 'otoro-' root.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

弱い (Yowai) 弱まる (Yowamaru) 年 (Toshi) 力 (Chikara) 台風 (Taifuu)

Learn Next

衰退 (Suitai) 廃れる (Sutareru) 滅びる (Horobiru) 繁栄 (Han'ei) 諸行無常 (Shogyoumoujou)

Advanced

凋落 (Chouraku) 衰微 (Suibi) 減退 (Gentai) 形骸化 (Keigaika) 黄昏 (Tasogare)

Grammar to Know

Intransitive Verb Usage (自動詞)

権力**が**衰える。(Power weakens.)

Te-iru for Current State (状態の継続)

人気が衰え**ている**。(Popularity is currently declining.)

Noun + とともに (Along with)

加齢**とともに**体力が衰える。(Strength declines along with aging.)

Negative form for Complement (～ない)

衰え**ない**情熱。(Unfading passion.)

Causative form (～させる)

不摂生が体力を衰え**させる**。(Neglect causes strength to decline.)

Examples by Level

おじいさんは、少し力が衰えました。

Grandfather's strength has weakened a little.

Uses 'otoroemashita' (polite past) to show a change.

あらしが衰えるのを待ちます。

I will wait for the storm to abate.

The particle 'ga' marks the storm as the thing weakening.

体力が衰えないように、運動します。

I exercise so that my physical strength doesn't decline.

Negative form 'otoroenai' used for prevention.

この町は少し衰えています。

This town is declining a little.

Te-iru form shows a current state.

人気が衰えるのは悲しいです。

It is sad that popularity is fading.

The noun 'ninki' (popularity) is a common subject.

目が衰えて、本が読めません。

My eyes have failed (weakened), and I can't read books.

Refers to eyesight weakening.

火のいきおいが衰えました。

The fire's intensity has weakened.

Describes natural intensity (ikioi).

彼の力は全く衰えません。

His power does not weaken at all.

Uses 'mattaku' (at all) with a negative verb.

台風の勢力は、夜には衰えるでしょう。

The typhoon's strength will likely abate by tonight.

Uses 'deshou' to express a prediction.

年をとっても、記憶力は衰えたくないです。

Even as I age, I don't want my memory to decline.

The '~takunai' form (don't want to) combined with the verb.

病気になってから、体力が急に衰えた。

Since getting sick, my physical strength has suddenly declined.

Adverb 'kyuu-ni' (suddenly) emphasizes the speed of decline.

あの歌手の人気は、今も衰えていない。

That singer's popularity has not faded even now.

Negative state 'otoroete-inai' (has not declined).

雨が衰えたので、買い物に行きました。

The rain weakened, so I went shopping.

Past tense used as a reason (node).

この国の経済は少しずつ衰えているようだ。

It seems the economy of this country is gradually declining.

Uses 'you da' to express an observation/impression.

彼は衰えた体力を取り戻そうとしている。

He is trying to regain his weakened physical strength.

Past tense 'otoroeta' functions as an adjective here.

情熱が衰えることはありません。

My passion will never fade.

Formal negative 'koto wa arimasen' (there is no such thing as...).

かつて栄えた文明も、いつかは衰える運命にある。

Even civilizations that once flourished are destined to decline eventually.

Uses 'unmei ni aru' (is in the destiny to...).

不景気の影響で、企業の活気が衰えてきている。

Due to the recession, the vitality of companies is starting to wane.

Auxiliary verb '~te kuru' shows a change starting.

年齢とともに視力が衰えるのは避けられない。

It is unavoidable that eyesight declines with age.

The nominalizer 'no' makes the phrase a subject.

その伝統芸能は、後継者がいなくて衰えつつある。

That traditional art is in the process of declining because there are no successors.

'~tsutsu aru' is a formal way to say 'in the process of.'

激しい運動を止めたら、筋肉が衰えてしまった。

When I stopped vigorous exercise, my muscles weakened (regrettably).

'~te shimau' adds a sense of regret or completion.

反対意見が出ても、彼の決意は衰えなかった。

Even though opposing opinions were raised, his determination did not falter.

Metaphorical use for 'determination' (ketsui).

冬になると、植物の勢いが衰える。

In winter, the vigor of plants declines.

General truth expressed with the dictionary form.

人気が衰えないうちに、新しいアルバムを出そう。

Let's release a new album while the popularity hasn't faded yet.

'~uchi ni' means 'while' or 'before something changes.'

長引く戦争によって、国力が著しく衰えた。

Due to the prolonged war, the national strength declined significantly.

Adverb 'ichijirushiku' (remarkably/significantly) is formal.

彼の創作意欲は、晩年になっても衰える兆しがなかった。

There were no signs of his creative drive waning, even in his later years.

'Kizashi' means signs or omens.

都市化が進むにつれて、地域の絆が衰えてきたと言われている。

It is said that as urbanization progresses, community bonds have begun to weaken.

'~ni tsurete' means 'as [something] progresses, [something else] changes.'

嵐の勢いは衰えたものの、依然として警戒が必要だ。

Although the storm's intensity has abated, caution is still necessary.

'~mono no' is a formal way to say 'although.'

政権の求心力が衰え、党内での対立が表面化した。

The administration's unifying power weakened, and internal party conflicts became apparent.

'Kyushin-ryoku' (unifying force/centripetal force) is a high-level subject.

科学技術の発展により、古い迷信は次第に衰えていった。

With the development of science and technology, old superstitions gradually died out.

'~te iku' shows a change moving away into the future/distance.

彼女の美しさは、歳月を経てもなお衰えを知らない。

Her beauty remains unfading (knows no decline), even after all these years.

Idiomatic expression 'otoroeru wo shiranai' (knows no decline).

輸出が減り、その産業は衰える一方だ。

Exports have decreased, and that industry is only continuing to decline.

'~ippou da' indicates a trend moving in one direction only.

ローマ帝国の衰退は、単一の要因ではなく、多角的な視点から分析されるべきだ。

The decline of the Roman Empire should be analyzed from multiple perspectives, not just a single factor.

Uses the noun form 'suitai' in an academic context.

市場の飽和に伴い、その製品の需要は急激に衰えていった。

Along with market saturation, the demand for that product declined sharply.

'~ni tomonai' is a formal expression for 'accompanying/along with.'

どれほど強大な権力も、民衆の支持を失えば、瞬く間に衰えるものである。

No matter how great the power, it will decline in an instant if it loses the support of the people.

Uses 'dore hodo... mo' (no matter how much...).

彼の論理的な思考能力は、病魔に侵されてもなお、衰えを見せなかった。

His logical thinking ability showed no signs of weakening, even though he was stricken by illness.

'Otoroeru wo misenai' is a sophisticated way to say 'shows no decline.'

言葉の乱れが、文化そのものを衰えさせるのではないかと危惧している。

I fear that the corruption of language might cause the culture itself to decline.

Uses the causative form 'otoroesaseru' (to make something decline).

かつての栄華を極めた都市も、今や衰え果てて、見る影もない。

The city that once reached the height of prosperity has now completely declined and is a shadow of its former self.

'Otoroehateru' means to decline completely/utterly.

自然界の均衡が崩れ、生態系が衰えることが懸念されている。

There are concerns that the balance of nature will be lost and the ecosystem will decline.

Passive voice 'ken'en sarete-iru' (is being concerned).

好奇心が衰えることは、精神的な老いの始まりを意味する。

The waning of curiosity signifies the beginning of spiritual aging.

Deep philosophical connection between curiosity and aging.

平家物語の冒頭にある「盛者必衰」の理は、日本人の諸行無常観を象徴している。

The principle of 'the prosperous must decline' at the beginning of the Tale of the Heike symbolizes the Japanese view of impermanence.

References the famous yojijukugo 'Jousha Hissui'.

知的な探求心が衰えるとき、人間は真の意味で老い、形骸化していくのであろう。

When intellectual curiosity wanes, humans truly age and become mere shells of themselves.

'Keigaika' (becoming a mere shell/formalized) is a very advanced term.

言語体系が変容し、古語が衰えていく過程は、民族の歴史的変遷と密接にリンクしている。

The process by which language systems transform and archaic words decline is closely linked to the historical transitions of a people.

Uses 'missetsu ni rinku' (closely linked) in a linguistic context.

独裁国家の末路は、例外なく内部腐敗による国力の衰えから始まる。

The end of a dictatorial state begins, without exception, with the decline of national strength due to internal corruption.

Noun form 'otoro-e' used as a subject.

芸術家としての魂が衰えることを恐れ、彼は常に自己を更新し続けた。

Fearing the decline of his soul as an artist, he constantly continued to renew himself.

Metaphorical 'soul' as the subject.

高度成長期の熱狂が衰えた後の日本社会は、成熟と停滞の狭間で揺れ動いている。

Japanese society, after the enthusiasm of the high-growth period faded, is wavering between maturity and stagnation.

'Hazama de yureugoite-iru' (wavering in the gap between).

伝統の灯が衰えぬよう、次世代への継承こそが喫緊の課題である。

In order to ensure the light of tradition does not fade, succession to the next generation is an urgent issue.

Archaic negative 'otoroenu' used for poetic/formal effect.

老兵は死なず、ただ消え去るのみというが、その存在感が衰えることは終ぞなかった。

They say old soldiers never die, they just fade away, but his presence never once declined until the very end.

Uses 'tsui-ni' (finally/after all) in the formal '終ぞ' (tsuizo) form.

Common Collocations

体力が衰える

勢いが衰える

人気が衰える

記憶力が衰える

権力が衰える

景気が衰える

視力が衰える

機能が衰える

文明が衰える

雨脚が衰える

Common Phrases

衰えを見せる

— To show signs of decline. Used when a trend or ability starts to falter.

彼は全く衰えを見せない。

衰えを知らない

— To know no decline. A common compliment for someone who stays strong or popular.

彼女の美しさは衰えを知らない。

急速に衰える

— To decline rapidly. Used for sudden drops in health or power.

病気で体力が急速に衰えた。

次第に衰える

— To decline gradually. Used for slow processes like aging or storms.

風は次第に衰えるでしょう。

衰えが目立つ

— Decline is noticeable. Used when aging or weakening becomes obvious to others.

最近、彼の衰えが目立つ。

一向に衰えない

— Doesn't decline at all. Often used with 'popularity' or 'heat.'

暑さは一向に衰えない。

衰えゆく

— The process of declining (literary).

衰えゆく帝国を描いた小説。

衰え果てる

— To decline completely/reach the end of decay.

かつての町は衰え果てていた。

内側から衰える

— To decline from within. Often used for organizations or empires.

組織が内側から衰える。

末長く衰えない

— To not decline for a long time. Used in wishes for longevity.

末長く衰えない人気を誇る。

Often Confused With

衰える vs 弱まる (Yowamaru)

Yowamaru is generic weakening; Otoroeru is loss of internal vitality.

衰える vs 減る (Heru)

Heru is for quantity; Otoroeru is for quality or power.

衰える vs 廃れる (Sutareru)

Sutareru is for trends/customs dying out; Otoroeru is for general weakening.

Idioms & Expressions

"盛者必衰 (じょうしゃひっすい)"

— The prosperous must decline. A famous Buddhist teaching about the impermanence of worldly things.

盛者必衰のことわりをかみしめる。

Literary/Formal

"衰えを隠せない"

— Cannot hide one's decline. Usually refers to an aging athlete or celebrity.

全盛期に比べると、衰えを隠せない。

Neutral

"老いてなお衰えず"

— Growing old but still not weakening. A high praise for elderly vigor.

彼は老いてなお衰えず、現役で働いている。

Formal

"人気に衰えが見える"

— Cracks are appearing in one's popularity.

新人の登場で、彼の人気に衰えが見える。

Neutral

"衰退の一途をたどる"

— To follow a path of steady decline with no hope of recovery.

その産業は衰退の一途をたどっている。

Formal

"見る影もなく衰える"

— To decline so much that no trace of former glory remains.

かつてのスターも、今は見る影もなく衰えた。

Descriptive

"勢い衰えて..."

— With momentum fading... often used to transition in storytelling.

勢い衰えて、軍は撤退した。

Literary

"衰えを補う"

— To compensate for a decline (usually in ability).

経験で体力の衰えを補う。

Neutral

"衰えを自覚する"

— To become aware of one's own decline.

階段で息が切れ、衰えを自覚した。

Personal

"衰え行く秋"

— The fading autumn. A poetic way to describe the end of the season.

衰え行く秋の気配を感じる。

Poetic

Easily Confused

衰える vs 衰退 (Suitai)

Both mean decline.

Suitai is a noun/suru-verb for systems; Otoroeru is a wago verb for people and things.

文明が衰退する vs 体力が衰える。

衰える vs 萎む (Shibomu)

Both imply loss of size/vigor.

Shibomu is physical deflation (balloons, flowers); Otoroeru is abstract decline.

夢が萎む vs 記憶力が衰える。

衰える vs 枯れる (Kareru)

Both mean withering.

Kareru is for plants/voices; Otoroeru is for strength/power.

花が枯れる vs 勢いが衰える。

衰える vs 廃れる (Sutareru)

Both mean fading away.

Sutareru is social relevance; Otoroeru is internal strength.

風習が廃れる vs 視力が衰える。

衰える vs 鈍る (Niburu)

Both mean worsening of skill.

Niburu means getting dull/blunt; Otoroeru means weakening overall.

腕が鈍る vs 体力が衰える。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] が衰える

記憶力が衰える。

[Noun] が衰えてきた

体力が衰えてきた。

[Noun] が全く衰えない

人気が全く衰えない。

[Noun] とともに [Noun] が衰える

老化とともに視力が衰える。

[Verb-dictionary] 兆しが衰える

勢いが衰える兆し。

衰えを知らない

衰えを知らない美貌。

衰えを見せる

少しも衰えを見せない。

衰えゆく [Noun]

衰えゆく秋の風。

Word Family

Nouns

衰え (Otoro-e): Decline/Weakening

衰退 (Suitai): Decline/Decay

衰弱 (Suijaku): Weakness/Emaciation

衰微 (Suibi): Waning/Decline

Verbs

衰える (Otoroeru): To decline (intransitive)

衰退する (Suitai suru): To decline (formal/intransitive)

Adjectives

衰えた (Otoroeta): Weakened/Declined (past participle/adjectival use)

老いる (Oiru): To age

弱まる (Yowamaru): To weaken

朽ちる (Kuchiru): To rot/decay

滅びる (Horobiru): To perish

枯れる (Kareru): To wither

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, health discussions, and literature.

Common Mistakes

Using 'wo' instead of 'ga'. → Tairyoku ga otoroeru.
Otoroeru is intransitive. You cannot 'otoroeru' something.
Using it for money/numbers. → Okane ga heru.
Otoroeru is for vitality/strength, not countable amounts.
Confusing with 'sutareru'. → Ninki ga otoroeru.
Sutareru is for things going out of style; Otoroeru is for weakening.
Using it for temporary speed. → Sokudo ga ochiru.
Speed drops; it doesn't 'wither' or 'decline' in vitality.
Using it for a single person's mood. → Genki ga naku naru.
Otoroeru is a long-term process, not a temporary mood swing.

Tips

Particle Check

Always use 'ga' with 'otoroeru.' It is an intransitive verb.

Polite Aging

When talking about elders, 'otoroenai' is a very nice compliment.

News Trigger

When you hear 'seiryoku' (势力), the next word is often 'otoroeru.'

Kanji Parts

The top part is '衣' (clothing). Remember the 'frayed clothes' image.

Vitality vs Amount

Use it for 'spirit' or 'strength,' not for 'numbers' or 'money.'

Natural Flow

Use 'otoroete-kita' to describe a process that has been happening lately.

History Books

Look for this word when a chapter is about the end of an era.

Classic Phrase

Memorize 'Jousha Hissui' to impress Japanese history buffs.

Intonation

It's a flat 'Heiban' word. Don't stress the middle syllables.

Synonym Map

Keep 'otoroeru,' 'yowamaru,' and 'suitai' in different mental buckets.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'Old T-shirt' (O-To-Ro-E-Ru) that is fraying and weakening. As the shirt gets older, its fabric 'otoroeru.'

Visual Association

Imagine a once-bright star slowly fading into a dim grey, or an old king's crown covered in dust and cobwebs.

Word Web

Aging (老い) Weakness (弱さ) Typhoon (台風) Popularity (人気) Civilization (文明) Memory (記憶) Eyesight (視力) Economy (景気)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences: one about your health, one about a storm, and one about a famous person's popularity using 'otoroeru' or 'otoroenai'.

Word Origin

The word 'otoroeru' is a native Japanese word (wago). The kanji '衰' is a pictophonetic character. The top part '衣' represents clothing, and the middle portion is a variation of 'old' or 'frayed.'

Original meaning: The original visual of the kanji refers to mourning clothes made of hemp that have become tattered and worn out, symbolizing a state of grief or loss of vitality.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word directly to someone about their appearance; it can be very blunt and potentially offensive if not used with care.

In English, we often use 'decline' for numbers or 'weaken' for strength. 'Otoroeru' covers both but with a more 'withering' nuance.

The Tale of the Heike (盛者必衰) Kurosawa's film 'Ran' (depicting the decline of a lord) Japanese health slogans encouraging the elderly to prevent 'tairyoku no otoro-e'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Aging and Health

体力が衰える
記憶力が衰える
視力が衰える
足腰が衰える

Weather and Nature

勢力が衰える
雨脚が衰える
風が衰える
火の勢いが衰える

Social Trends and Popularity

人気が衰える
流行が衰える
ブームが衰える
関心が衰える

Politics and Power

権力が衰える
影響力が衰える
支配力が衰える
求心力が衰える

Business and Economy

景気が衰える
需要が衰える
産業が衰える
勢いが衰える

Conversation Starters

"最近、体力が衰えたと感じることはありますか？"

"あの有名人の人気は、なぜ衰えないのだと思いますか？"

"伝統的な文化が衰えるのを防ぐには、どうすればいいでしょうか？"

"年をとっても衰えないために、何か特別なことをしていますか？"

"歴史の中で、最も衰退が悲しいと感じる文明は何ですか？"

Journal Prompts

自分の能力の中で、絶対に衰えてほしくないものは何ですか？その理由も書いてください。

最近、自分の周りで「衰えたな」と感じるもの（店、流行、建物など）について説明してください。

「盛者必衰」という言葉について、あなたの考えを日本語でまとめてください。

もし自分の記憶力が衰えてきたら、どのような対策をしますか？

将来、自分の国が衰えないために、今の若者がすべきことは何だと思いますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not usually. For a battery, we say 'batterii ga heru' or 'batterii ga yowaru.' 'Otoroeru' sounds too biological or grand for a small device.

Generally, yes, as it describes a loss of strength. However, in the context of a storm or a fever, it is a positive thing that the intensity is 'otoroeru.'

Yowai is a state; Otoroeta is a result of a process.

No. For prices, use 'sagaru' (fall) or 'geraku suru' (decline). 'Otoroeru' is for vitality, not numerical value.

Since it's an Ichidan verb, it becomes 'otoroeyou.' However, this is rare because you usually don't 'propose' to decline!

Yes! You might hear a villain say their power is not 'otoroeru' or a hero noticing their master is 'otoroeta.'

The noun form is '衰え' (otoro-e). For example: 'Toshi no otoro-e' (the decline of age).

Yes, 'hi no ikioi ga otoroeru' means the fire's intensity is dying down.

It's better to say 'eigo ga namaru' (English gets rusty) or 'eigo-ryoku ga ochiru' (English ability drops).

It means 'never knowing decline.' It's used for people who stay young or things that stay popular forever.