枯らす in 30 Seconds
- 枯らす (karasu) means to make plants wither or die.
- It's a transitive verb, implying an agent causes the withering.
- Commonly used for houseplants, gardens, and agriculture.
- Often linked to neglect or improper care.
The Core Meaning: Causing Plants to Wither
The verb 枯らす (karasu) is the transitive form of 枯れる (kareru), meaning 'to wither' or 'to die' (for plants). When you use 枯らす, you are the agent causing the plant to reach that state. It implies an action that leads to the plant's demise, often through neglect, improper care, or sometimes even deliberately. Think of it as actively making something dry up and die.
- Literal Usage
- This is most commonly used when talking about plants. If you forget to water your houseplants, you might accidentally 枯らす them. Gardeners might talk about how certain conditions can 枯らす specific types of flowers.
- Figurative Usage
- While less common than the literal meaning, 枯らす can sometimes be used figuratively to describe something that is neglected to the point of becoming useless or dormant. For example, a skill that isn't practiced might be said to be 'withered away' or 'killed' through neglect, though more direct verbs are usually preferred in such cases.
植物を枯らすのは悲しいです。
水やりを怠ると、せっかく育てた花を枯らすことになります。
Constructing Sentences with 枯らす
Using 枯らす correctly involves understanding its transitive nature and the typical sentence structures it appears in. The subject of the sentence is the entity performing the action that leads to withering, and the object is the plant or thing being made to wither.
- Subject-Object-Verb Structure
- The most common pattern is [Subject] は [Object] を 枯らす. For example, 'I let my plant wither' would be 私は植物を枯らす (Watashi wa shokubutsu o karasu).
- Expressing Neglect
- Sentences often describe the cause of the withering, such as lack of water, too much sun, or poor soil. For instance, 水やりを忘れて、庭の木を枯らしてしまいました (Mizuyari o wasurete, niwa no ki o karashite shimaimashita) - 'I forgot to water and ended up letting the tree in the garden wither.'
- Potential for Accidental Action
- The verb can also imply an accidental outcome. 'I didn't realize it needed so much sun and killed it' might be expressed as 日光が足りないことに気づかず、花を枯らしてしまった (Nikkō ga tarinai koto ni kizukazu, hana o karashite shimatta).
猫が水を飲まずに、水やりを怠ると、植物は枯らすことになる。
旅行中に、植物に水をやるのを忘れて、全部枯らしてしまった。
Real-World Contexts for 枯らす
You'll encounter 枯らす in everyday conversations, especially among people who have plants or are involved in gardening. It's a practical word that describes a common experience for plant owners.
- Home Gardening and Houseplants
- This is perhaps the most frequent context. Friends might lament, 「せっかく育てていたハーブを枯らしてしまったんだ。」 (Sekkaku sodatete ita hābu o karashite shimatta n da.) - 'I ended up letting the herbs I was growing go to waste.' Or, someone might ask for advice: 「この植物、どうしたら枯らさないで済む？」 (Kono shokubutsu, dō shitara karasanai de sumu?) - 'How can I avoid letting this plant wither?'
- Community Gardens and Allotments
- In discussions about shared gardening spaces, people might share their successes and failures. 「隣の区画のトマトが全部枯らされていたよ。」 (Tonari no kukaku no tomato ga zenbu karasarete ita yo.) - 'All the tomatoes in the next plot were left to wither.' This passive form implies someone or something caused it.
- Environmental Discussions (Less Common)
- While less direct, the concept of something being 'killed' or 'withered' by environmental factors could occasionally use this verb, though more specific terms are usually preferred. For example, extreme drought could be said to 枯らす the landscape.
- Figurative Use in Media
- In literature or dramas, a character might be described as having 'withered' their potential or relationships due to poor choices, though this is a more poetic or dramatic usage.
「この夏は暑すぎて、庭の花を枯らす心配がある。」
「母が育てていたサボテンを、私がうっかり枯らしてしまったんだ。」
Pitfalls to Avoid When Using 枯らす
While 枯らす is a straightforward verb, learners can sometimes misuse it by confusing it with its intransitive counterpart or by applying it to contexts where it doesn't fit naturally.
- Confusing with 枯れる (kareru)
- The most common mistake is using 枯らす when 枯れる is appropriate. 枯れる is intransitive, meaning the subject itself withers without an external agent. For example, 「この花は枯れるでしょう。」 (Kono hana wa kareru deshō.) - 'This flower will likely wither.' Using 枯らす here would imply someone is actively making the flower wither, which might not be the intended meaning.
- Applying to Non-Plant Subjects
- While there can be figurative uses, 枯らす is overwhelmingly associated with plants. Applying it to animate beings (like people or animals) to mean 'kill' is incorrect and can sound very strange or even alarming. For killing animals, verbs like 殺す (korosu) are used.
- Overuse in Figurative Senses
- As mentioned, figurative uses are rare. If you hear someone say they 'withered' their career, they are likely using a metaphorical extension of the word, but for learners, it's safer to stick to the literal meaning related to plants. More common verbs like 衰退させる (suitai saseru - to cause to decline) or 駄目にする (dame ni suru - to ruin) might be used in figurative contexts.
- Incorrect Tense or Aspect
- Like any verb, using the wrong tense or aspect can lead to errors. For instance, saying 「私は植物を枯らします。」 (Watashi wa shokubutsu o karashimasu.) when you mean you *did* let it wither would be incorrect. The past tense 枯らしました (karashimashita) or the completed form 枯らしてしまった (karashite shimatta) would be more appropriate for a past event.
間違った使い方：この雨が川を枯らします。
間違った使い方：彼は自分の才能を枯らした。
Nuances and Alternatives to 枯らす
While 枯らす has a specific meaning, other words can convey similar ideas of decay, damage, or lack of life, often with subtle differences in nuance or application.
- 枯れる (kareru)
- Meaning: To wither, to dry up (intransitive).
Difference: This is the most direct alternative, but it's intransitive. It describes the state of a plant without specifying an agent causing it. Example: 「夏になると、草が枯れる。」 (Natsu ni naru to, kusa ga kareru.) - 'When summer comes, the grass withers.' Use 枯らす when you want to show someone or something caused the withering. - 傷む (itamu)
- Meaning: To be damaged, to spoil, to decay (intransitive).
Difference: 傷む is broader and can apply to food, materials, or even health. It implies damage or spoilage rather than just drying out. While a plant can be damaged (傷む), 枯れる or 枯らす specifically refers to the loss of vitality and drying. Example: 「この果物はもう傷んでいる。」 (Kono kudamono wa mō itande iru.) - 'This fruit is already spoiled.' - 腐る (kusaru)
- Meaning: To rot, to decay (intransitive).
Difference: This implies a more advanced stage of decay, often involving decomposition and a foul smell, especially for organic matter like food. It's a stronger form of deterioration than simply withering. Example: 「生ゴミを放置すると腐る。」 (Namagomi o hōchi suru to kusaru.) - 'If you leave kitchen waste out, it will rot.' - 駄目にする (dame ni suru)
- Meaning: To ruin, to spoil, to make useless (transitive).
Difference: This is a very general transitive verb meaning to ruin something or make it unusable. It can be used for plants, but it's less specific than 枯らす. You might use 駄目にする if you broke a pot or damaged the roots, leading to the plant's demise. Example: 「子供がおもちゃを駄目にしてしまった。」 (Kodomo ga omocha o dame ni shite shimatta.) - 'The child ruined the toy.' - 滅ぼす (horobosu)
- Meaning: To destroy, to ruin, to exterminate (transitive).
Difference: This is a very strong word, often used for destroying cities, civilizations, or entire species. It implies a complete and often violent destruction, far beyond the scope of letting a single plant wither. Example: 「敵国を滅ぼす。」 (Tekikoku o horobosu.) - 'To destroy the enemy nation.'
「この薬は虫を殺すが、植物は枯らさない。」
「放っておくと、野菜は傷んで、いずれ腐るだろう。」
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 枯 itself is composed of the radical 'wood' (木) and the phonetic component 'old' or 'dry' (古). This visually reinforces the idea of something wooden becoming old and dry, i.e., withered. The addition of the 'su' ending turns this state into an action performed by someone.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'ra' too weakly, making it sound like 'la'.
- Putting stress on the first syllable instead of the second.
- Confusing the 'u' sound at the end with a strong 'oo' sound.
Difficulty Rating
At B1 level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input. Sentences using 枯らす in typical contexts like plant care are generally comprehensible. Complex figurative uses might pose a challenge.
Learners at B1 can start using 枯らす correctly in simple sentences, especially when describing plant care failures. Overuse or incorrect application in figurative senses might occur.
Speaking with 枯らす requires understanding its transitive nature. Learners can use it in basic descriptions but might hesitate in more nuanced situations or figurative contexts.
Recognizing 枯らす in spoken Japanese depends on the context. In discussions about gardening or common experiences, it should be identifiable. Fast or figurative speech might make it harder.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
枯らす (transitive - to let wither) vs. 枯れる (intransitive - to wither). Understanding this distinction is key to using 枯らす correctly.
The 〜てしまう (te shimau) form
Used with 枯らす to express regret or an unintended outcome: 枯らしてしまった (karashite shimatta - ended up letting wither).
Passive Voice (〜れる/られる)
植物が枯らされる (shokubutsu ga karasareru - the plant is made to wither).
Potential Form (〜る/せる)
植物を枯らせる (shokubutsu o karaseru - to be able to let plants wither).
Causative Forms
While 枯らす is already causative, one could theoretically form a double causative like 枯らさせる (karasaseru - to make someone let wither), though this is rare and complex.
Examples by Level
これは はな です。
This is a flower.
みず を ください。
Water, please.
さようなら。
Goodbye.
ありがとう。
Thank you.
これは おおきい です。
This is big.
これは ちいさい です。
This is small.
おいしい です。
It's delicious.
わたしは がくせい です。
I am a student.
この はなは しおれて います。
This flower is wilting.
Uses the intransitive 枯れる (kareru) in its progressive form.
みずを あげるのを わすれました。
I forgot to give it water.
Expresses neglect without using 枯らす.
たいへんです！ わたしの くさが かわいて います。
Oh no! My grass is drying out.
Uses a simpler verb for drying out.
これは しょくぶつ です。
This is a plant.
ひが つよすぎます。
The sun is too strong.
くうきが わるいです。
The air is bad.
この やさいは もう たべられません。
These vegetables can't be eaten anymore.
Implies spoilage without using 枯らす.
きのう、そらを みました。
Yesterday, I looked at the sky.
水やりを怠って、観葉植物を枯らしてしまいました。
I neglected watering and ended up letting my houseplants wither.
Uses 枯らす in the past tense with 〜てしまう to express regret.
この庭師は、どんな植物でも枯らすことなく育てることができる。
This gardener can grow any plant without letting it wither.
Uses the negative potential form 枯らすことなく (karasu koto naku) - without letting wither.
日照不足で、今年の夏は多くの作物が枯らすことになった。
Due to insufficient sunlight, many crops ended up withering this summer.
Uses 枯らすことになった (karasu koto ni natta) - ended up letting wither.
長期間の乾燥で、森の木々が枯らす危険がある。
There is a danger of letting the trees in the forest wither due to prolonged drought.
Uses 枯らす危険がある (karasu kiken ga aru) - there is a danger of letting wither.
彼は植物を育てるのが苦手で、いつも枯らす。
He's bad at growing plants and always lets them wither.
Simple statement of habitual failure using 枯らす.
この土は栄養が足りないので、植物を枯らす原因になる。
This soil lacks nutrients, which can cause plants to wither.
Explains a cause for letting plants wither.
旅行中は、誰かに水やりをお願いしないと、花を枯らしてしまうだろう。
While I'm traveling, if I don't ask someone to water them, I'll likely let the flowers wither.
Uses the potential form 枯らしてしまう (karashite shimau) to express a likely negative outcome.
病気で、せっかく育てた野菜を枯らすことになってしまった。
Due to illness, I ended up letting the vegetables I worked hard to grow wither.
Expresses regret and an unfortunate outcome.
過剰な肥料は、かえって植物の根を傷つけ、枯らす原因となり得る。
Excessive fertilizer can, on the contrary, damage the plant's roots and become a cause for letting them wither.
Uses 枯らす原因となり得る (karasu gen'in to nariuru) - can become a cause for letting wither.
この地域では、毎年夏になると水不足で多くの木々が枯らされる。
In this region, many trees are left to wither every summer due to water shortage.
Uses the passive form 枯らされる (karasareru) - to be made to wither.
彼は、自分が担当していたプロジェクトを、無能な部下に任せて枯らすような真似はしないだろう。
He wouldn't do something like letting the project he was in charge of wither by leaving it to an incompetent subordinate.
Figurative use, implying letting a project fail through neglect.
不適切な管理が続けば、せっかくの庭園も枯らす結果になりかねない。
If inappropriate management continues, even a well-made garden could end up being left to wither.
Uses 枯らす結果になりかねない (karasu kekka ni kanikenai) - could lead to the result of letting wither.
その農家は、害虫の発生を放置し、畑全体を枯らすという致命的なミスを犯した。
That farmer committed the fatal mistake of neglecting the pest outbreak and letting the entire field wither.
Describes a serious error leading to the field withering.
長年の経験から、彼は植物が枯らす兆候を早期に察知できる。
From many years of experience, he can detect early signs of plants about to wither.
Focuses on detecting signs *before* the plant is actively made to wither.
その植物は、特定の環境条件がないと、容易に枯らすことができる。
That plant can easily be made to wither if specific environmental conditions are not met.
Highlights the ease with which the plant can be made to wither.
彼の管理不行き届きで、貴重な品種のランを枯らすところだった。
Due to his lack of proper care, he almost let a rare variety of orchid wither.
Emphasizes a near-disaster of letting a valuable plant wither.
無計画な都市開発は、しばしば地域の生態系を破壊し、緑地を枯らす結果を招く。
Unplanned urban development often destroys the local ecosystem and leads to the result of letting green spaces wither.
Uses 枯らす in a broader environmental context, referring to green spaces.
彼の言葉は、まるで砂漠に水を注ぐように、相手の意欲を枯らす効果があった。
His words had the effect of draining the other person's motivation, like pouring water into a desert.
A strong figurative use, comparing loss of motivation to plants withering.
世代交代の失敗は、組織の活力を枯らすだけでなく、その存続すら危うくする。
Failure in generational succession not only drains the organization's vitality but also jeopardizes its very existence.
Figurative use: 活力を枯らす (katsuryoku o karasu) - to drain vitality.
その芸術家は、自身の創造性の源泉を枯らすことを恐れ、常に新しい表現を模索していた。
Fearing that he would let the source of his creativity wither, the artist was constantly seeking new expressions.
Figurative use: 創造性の源泉を枯らす (sōzōsei no gensen o karasu) - to let the source of creativity wither.
水資源の枯渇は、単に農業に影響を与えるだけでなく、社会全体の生命線たる水を枯らすことになる。
The depletion of water resources not only affects agriculture but also leads to letting the lifeline of the entire society, water, wither.
A more extreme, existential use of 枯らす regarding water itself.
彼は、長年の努力にもかかわらず、その事業を枯らすことなく、成功へと導いた。
Despite many years of effort, he led the business to success without letting it wither.
Uses the negative potential form 枯らすことなく (karasu koto naku) in a business context.
この小説は、登場人物たちの人間関係の希薄さを、静かに、しかし確実に枯らすように描いている。
This novel depicts the thinness of the characters' relationships in a way that quietly but surely lets them wither.
Figurative use: 人間関係を枯らす (ningen kankei o karasu) - to let relationships wither.
一度失われた信頼を回復させるのは、枯れた植物に再び命を吹き込むより難しいかもしれない。
Restoring lost trust might be more difficult than breathing life back into a withered plant.
Uses 枯れた植物 (kareta shokubutsu) - withered plant, as a comparison, indirectly referencing the concept behind 枯らす.
その政治家の演説は、聴衆の希望を煽るどころか、むしろ彼らの情熱を枯らすような冷淡さを含んでいた。
Far from inciting hope in the audience, the politician's speech contained a coldness that seemed to drain their passion.
Sophisticated figurative use: 情熱を枯らす (jōnetsu o karasu) - to drain passion.
彼女は、自身の芸術的インスピレーションの源泉が干上がることを恐れ、敢えて俗世の喧騒から距離を置くことで、その創造性を枯らすまいとした。
Fearing that the source of her artistic inspiration would dry up, she deliberately distanced herself from the clamor of the mundane world, thus trying not to let her creativity wither.
An elaborate figurative use: 創造性を枯らすまいとした (sōzōsei o karasumai to shita) - tried not to let creativity wither.
文明の発展は、しばしば自然の資源を搾取し、その結果、地球の生命力を枯らすという皮肉な結末を迎える。
The development of civilization often exploits natural resources, ultimately leading to the ironic conclusion of draining the Earth's life force.
A profound, philosophical figurative use: 生命力を枯らす (seimeiryoku o karasu) - to drain life force.
彼が長年かけて築き上げた信頼関係は、些細な誤解によって枯らされる寸前であったが、幸いにも修復された。
The relationship of trust he had built over many years was on the verge of being withered by a trivial misunderstanding, but fortunately, it was repaired.
Uses the passive form 枯らされる寸前であった (karasareru sunzen de atta) - was on the verge of being made to wither.
その作家は、人間の心の奥底に潜む空虚さを、まるで生命を失った植物が枯らすように、冷徹に描き出した。
The author depicted the emptiness lurking deep within the human heart with the same cold detachment as a plant withering after losing its life.
A highly literary comparison: 心の空虚さを枯らすように (kokoro no kūkyo sa o karasu yō ni) - like letting the emptiness of the heart wither.
現代社会における情報過多は、時に個人の思考力を枯らすという逆説的な状況を生み出している。
Information overload in modern society paradoxically creates a situation where it sometimes drains individuals' thinking ability.
Figurative use: 思考力を枯らす (shikōryoku o karasu) - to drain thinking ability.
彼の創造性を枯らすまいとする努力は、時に過剰な自己規制となり、かえって自由な発想を阻害していた。
His efforts to avoid letting his creativity wither sometimes became excessive self-regulation, paradoxically hindering free thinking.
Complex figurative use: 創造性を枯らすまいとする (sōzōsei o karasumai to suru) - trying not to let creativity wither.
かつて栄華を誇った古代文明の遺跡は、今や時間の流れによって枯らされ、静かにその終焉を物語っている。
The ruins of the ancient civilization, once proud of its glory, have now been withered by the passage of time and quietly tell of its end.
Poetic passive use: 時間の流れによって枯らされ (jikan no nagare ni yotte karasare) - withered by the passage of time.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To let plants wither and die.
水やりを忘れて、観葉植物を枯らしてしまいました。 (I forgot to water and ended up letting my houseplants wither.)
— To let flowers wither and die.
この夏は暑すぎて、庭の花を枯らす心配がある。 (This summer is too hot; I'm worried about letting the garden flowers wither.)
— In order not to let ~ wither.
植物を枯らさないように、毎日注意しています。 (I pay attention every day so as not to let the plants wither.)
— Ended up letting ~ wither (often with regret).
旅行中に水をやるのを忘れて、せっかく育てたハーブを枯らしてしまった。 (While on vacation, I forgot to water and ended up letting the herbs I worked hard to grow wither.)
— Cause for letting ~ wither.
日照不足は、この植物を枯らす原因になります。 (Lack of sunlight is a cause for letting this plant wither.)
Often Confused With
This is the intransitive form. 枯れる means 'to wither' on its own, while 枯らす means 'to cause to wither'. For example, 'The flower withered' is 花が枯れた, but 'I let the flower wither' is 花を枯らした.
This means 'to kill' and is a much stronger, more general term. It's not typically used for plants unless in a highly figurative or dramatic sense. 枯らす is the natural verb for letting plants die.
This means 'to be damaged' or 'to spoil'. It's broader than just withering and can apply to food or objects. While a plant can be 'damaged', 枯らす specifically refers to the loss of vitality and drying out.
Idioms & Expressions
— To let wither, to kill (plants) (transitive).
水やりを怠り、育てていた花を枯らしてしまった。 (I neglected watering and ended up letting the flowers I was growing wither.)
Neutral— To wither, to dry up (intransitive).
この夏は雨が少なく、草が枯れてしまった。 (There wasn't much rain this summer, and the grass withered.)
Neutral— To kill the roots (of a plant); figuratively, to destroy the foundation or source of something.
病気で根が枯らされ、木全体が枯れてしまった。 (The roots were killed by disease, and the entire tree withered.)
Literal/Figurative— To drain one's motivation or enthusiasm.
彼の否定的な言葉は、私のやる気を枯らすものだった。 (His negative words were something that drained my motivation.)
Figurative— To let one's talent go unused or undeveloped, causing it to diminish.
練習を怠ると、せっかくの才能を枯らすことになる。 (If you neglect practice, you'll end up letting your precious talent wither.)
FigurativeEasily Confused
Both relate to plants losing life and can sound similar.
枯れる is intransitive (the plant withers on its own), while 枯らす is transitive (someone or something causes the plant to wither). Example: 'The grass withered.' (草が<strong>枯れた</strong>。) vs. 'I let the grass wither.' (草を<strong>枯らした</strong>。)
The key is to identify the agent causing the withering. If there's an agent (like neglect or drought *caused by someone*), use 枯らす. If the plant is just described as dying naturally, use 枯れる.
Both imply a negative change in a plant's condition.
傷む means 'to be damaged' or 'to spoil', often implying physical harm or decay beyond just drying. 枯らす specifically means to cause to dry out and lose life. A plant might be damaged (傷む) without necessarily withering completely, and vice versa. Example: 'The leaves were damaged by frost.' (葉が霜で<strong>傷んだ</strong>。) vs. 'The frost let the leaves wither.' (霜で葉を<strong>枯らした</strong>。)
Use 傷む for physical breakage, spoilage, or general damage. Use 枯らす when the primary outcome is drying and loss of life due to lack of essential care or conditions.
Both describe decay and loss of life.
腐る (kusaru) means 'to rot' and implies decomposition, often with odor. It's a more advanced stage of decay than withering. 枯らす leads to a plant drying up and losing life, but not necessarily rotting. Example: 'The fruit rotted.' (果物が<strong>腐った</strong>。) vs. 'I let the fruit dry out.' (果物を<strong>枯らした</strong>。) (less common for fruit).
枯らす refers to the drying and death process. 腐る refers to the decomposition process that often follows, especially for organic matter.
Both are transitive verbs meaning 'to ruin' or 'to make useless'.
駄目にする is a general term for ruining something. 枯らす is specific to causing plants to wither. You could say you 'ruined' a plant by not watering it (駄目にした), but 'let it wither' (枯らした) is more precise. Example: 'I ruined the toy.' (おもちゃを<strong>駄目にした</strong>。) vs. 'I let the plant wither.' (植物を<strong>枯らした</strong>。)
Use 枯らす when the specific outcome for the plant is withering and drying. Use 駄目にする for broader 'ruining' or making something unusable.
Both imply causing something to cease living.
殺す means 'to kill' and is a strong, direct verb usually applied to sentient beings or in a more forceful context. 枯らす is specific to plants and implies causing them to wither, often through neglect or lack of care, which is less direct and forceful than 'killing'. Example: 'He killed the fly.' (彼はハエを<strong>殺した</strong>。) vs. 'He let the plant wither.' (彼は植物を<strong>枯らした</strong>。)
Never use 殺す for plants in normal conversation; it sounds unnatural and overly aggressive. 枯らす is the standard and appropriate term.
Sentence Patterns
Object を 枯らす。
私は花を<strong>枯らす</strong>。
Object を 枯らしてしまった。
水をあげなくて、花を<strong>枯らしてしまった</strong>。
〜ないように Object を 枯らす。
植物を<strong>枯らさないように</strong>、注意する。
〜で Object を 枯らす。
日照不足<strong>で</strong>、庭の木を<strong>枯らした</strong>。
Object が 枯らされる。
害虫<strong>に</strong>、葉が<strong>枯らされた</strong>。
〜ことによって Object を 枯らす。
不適切な管理<strong>によって</strong>、植物を<strong>枯らす</strong>ことがある。
Object を 枯らす結果になる。
水不足<strong>で</strong>、植物を<strong>枯らす結果になった</strong>。
Object を 枯らす原因
栄養不足は、植物を<strong>枯らす原因</strong>だ。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common in contexts related to plants and gardening.
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Using 枯らす when 枯れる is appropriate.
→
花が<strong>枯れた</strong>。
This is the intransitive form meaning 'the flower withered'. Using 枯らす would imply someone actively made it wither, which might not be the case. The subject itself withers in 枯れる.
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Using 枯らす for people or animals.
→
彼は虫を<strong>殺した</strong>。
枯らす is specifically for plants. Using it for humans or animals is incorrect and alarming. 殺す (korosu) is the verb for killing living beings.
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Confusing 枯らす with 傷む or 腐る.
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果物が<strong>傷んでいる</strong>。
傷む means 'to be damaged' or 'spoil', and 腐る means 'to rot'. 枯らす specifically refers to plants drying out and losing life, not necessarily rotting or being physically damaged in other ways.
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Using the plain form when regret is intended.
→
水を忘れて、植物を<strong>枯らしてしまった</strong>。
Simply saying 植物を枯らした (shokubutsu o karashita) states the fact. Adding 〜てしまった (te shimatta) conveys regret or an unintended outcome, which is common when talking about accidentally letting plants die.
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Applying it too broadly to figurative meanings.
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彼の言葉は私のやる気を<strong>削いだ</strong>。
While 枯らす can be used figuratively (e.g., 意欲を枯らす - to drain motivation), it's less common and can be ambiguous. Verbs like 削ぐ (sosogu - to pare down, diminish) or 衰退させる (suitai saseru - to cause to decline) are often clearer for figurative uses.
Tips
Master the Transitive Nature
Remember that 枯らす is a transitive verb. This means there's an actor (subject) performing the action of causing something (object) to wither. Contrast this with 枯れる, which is intransitive and describes the state of withering itself.
Use 〜てしまう for Regret
When you want to express regret about letting a plant wither, add 〜てしまう to the verb. For example, 枯らしてしまった (karashite shimatta) means 'I ended up letting it wither,' conveying sadness or a mistake.
Connect to Plant Care
The most common context for 枯らす is plant care. Think about scenarios like forgetting to water, too much sun, or poor soil. This will help you remember the verb's meaning and usage.
Stress on the Second Syllable
Make sure to stress the second syllable: からす (ka-RA-su). This helps distinguish it from other similar-sounding words and ensures clear pronunciation.
Visualize the Outcome
Picture a sad, brown, crispy plant. Associate this image with the verb 枯らす, imagining someone's action or neglect leading to this state. This visual cue can aid recall.
Avoid for People/Animals
Never use 枯らす to describe humans or animals dying. Use 殺す (korosu) for killing living beings, but remember 枯らす is specifically for plants losing their life force.
Distinguish from 傷む and 腐る
While all imply decay, 枯らす is about drying and loss of life. 傷む is about damage or spoilage, and 腐る is about rotting. They represent different stages or types of deterioration.
Create Your Own Sentences
Try writing sentences about your own (real or imaginary) plant care experiences, both successes and failures, using 枯らす and its related forms.
Recognize Metaphors
Be aware that 枯らす can be used figuratively to mean 'draining' or 'letting something decline' (like motivation or talent), but focus on the literal meaning first as it's far more common.
Think of Nurturing
The opposite of 枯らす is actively nurturing or growing something. Words like 育てる (sodateru - to raise) and 生かす (ikasu - to make use of/keep alive) are good contrasting concepts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a farmer who is terrible at gardening. He forgets to water his plants, and they all turn brown and dry. He 'car-a-s' them to death! The sound 'kara' can remind you of 'car' and the farmer's 'care-less' actions leading to death.
Visual Association
Picture a single, sad, brown, crispy plant in a pot. Next to it, imagine a watering can overturned, spilling its contents onto the dry soil, signifying the neglect that led to the plant's demise. The 'su' sound can be associated with a sigh of regret.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe in Japanese what happened to your imaginary plants if you were too busy to water them for a week. Use the verb 枯らす to describe the outcome.
Word Origin
The verb 枯らす (karasu) is derived from the intransitive verb 枯れる (kareru), which means 'to wither'. The suffix -す (-su) is often added to intransitive verbs to create their transitive or causative counterparts. This is a common pattern in Japanese verb formation, indicating that the subject performs the action that causes the state described by the intransitive verb.
Original meaning: The core meaning relates to the process of drying out and losing life, specifically applied to plants.
JaponicCultural Context
While 枯らす is a common and useful verb, avoid using it to describe humans or animals dying, as this would be inappropriate and alarming. Stick to its primary application with plants. In figurative contexts, use with caution and ensure the context is clear.
In English-speaking cultures, 'letting plants die' or 'killing plants' is also understood, but perhaps with less of the inherent aesthetic or emotional weight that the concept can carry in Japan. The focus might be more on the practical failure rather than a deeper sense of loss.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Home gardening and houseplants
- 植物を枯らす
- 花を枯らす
- 〜を枯らさないように
Farming and agriculture
- 作物を枯らす
- 野菜を枯らす
- 〜を枯らす原因
Discussions about weather and environment
- 乾燥で枯らす
- 日照不足で枯らす
- 水不足で枯らす
Expressing regret or mistakes
- 〜を枯らしてしまった
- 〜を枯らすところだった
Figurative language (less common)
- 意欲を枯らす
- 才能を枯らす
Conversation Starters
"最近、何か植物を枯らしてしまった経験はありますか？"
"植物を枯らさないために、どんな工夫をしていますか？"
"旅行中に植物を枯らさないように、どうしていますか？"
"子供の頃、植物を枯らしてしまって悲しかった思い出はありますか？"
"もし植物が話せたら、枯らしてしまう人について何て言うと思いますか？"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you accidentally let a plant wither. What happened, and how did you feel?
Imagine you are a plant. What would you say to someone who is neglecting you and letting you wither?
What are the most common reasons people let their plants wither in your area? How could these be prevented?
Write a short story about a gardener who is exceptionally good at preventing their plants from withering.
Reflect on the concept of 'letting something valuable wither' in a non-plant context. What does this phrase mean to you?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe main difference lies in transitivity. 枯れる (kareru) is intransitive, meaning the subject itself withers (e.g., 'The flower withered.' - 花が枯れた。). 枯らす (karasu) is transitive, meaning the subject causes something else to wither (e.g., 'I let the flower wither.' - 花を枯らした。). Think of 枯らす as the active 'making wither' and 枯れる as the passive 'becoming withered'.
Primarily, 枯らす is used for plants. While there can be figurative uses, such as 'draining motivation' (意欲を枯らす), these are less common and often found in more literary or metaphorical contexts. For literal meaning, stick to plants.
The most common reasons are neglect, such as forgetting to water (水やりを忘れる - mizuyari o wasureru), lack of sunlight (日照不足 - nisshō fusoku), overwatering (水のやりすぎ - mizu no yaritsugi), poor soil quality (土の質が悪い - tsuchi no shitsu ga warui), or extreme temperatures.
For plants, 枯らす is the most natural and common verb for causing them to die, often through neglect. If you were to use a more direct verb like 殺す (korosu), it would sound very unnatural and aggressive, as if you were actively murdering the plant. 枯らす implies a more passive or unintentional act of causing demise.
The 〜てしまう (te shimau) form is perfect for this. You would say 枯らしてしまった (karashite shimatta), which means 'I ended up letting it wither,' implying regret or an unintended outcome. For example: 'I forgot to water and ended up letting the plant wither.' (水を忘れて、植物を枯らしてしまった。)
Yes, the passive form is 枯らされる (karasareru). This means 'to be made to wither' or 'to be left to wither'. For example: 'The plants were left to wither by the drought.' (干ばつで植物が枯らされた。)
The most direct antonym is 育てる (sodateru), meaning 'to raise' or 'to nurture'. Other related antonyms include 生かす (ikasu - to make use of, keep alive) and 活かす (ikasu - to vitalize, bring to life).
For B1 learners, 枯らす is a manageable verb. The main challenge is understanding its transitive nature and differentiating it from the intransitive 枯れる. Once that distinction is clear, using it in contexts related to plant care becomes straightforward.
Yes, very common ones include: 植物を枯らす (shokubutsu o karasu - to let plants wither), 花を枯らす (hana o karasu - to let flowers wither), and 〜を枯らしてしまった (〜 o karashite shimatta - ended up letting ~ wither, often with regret).
Figurative uses like 'draining motivation' (意欲を枯らす) exist but are less frequent in casual, everyday conversation compared to its literal meaning concerning plants. It's more common in literature or more formal/poetic speech. For learners, it's best to focus on the literal meaning first.
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Summary
枯らす (karasu) is the transitive verb meaning 'to let wither' or 'to kill' (plants). It emphasizes the action of causing a plant's demise, typically through neglect or poor care, distinguishing it from the intransitive 枯れる (kareru - to wither). For example, 'I forgot to water the plant and let it wither' would be 「水をやるのを忘れて、植物を<strong>枯らして</strong>しまった。」
- 枯らす (karasu) means to make plants wither or die.
- It's a transitive verb, implying an agent causes the withering.
- Commonly used for houseplants, gardens, and agriculture.
- Often linked to neglect or improper care.
Master the Transitive Nature
Remember that 枯らす is a transitive verb. This means there's an actor (subject) performing the action of causing something (object) to wither. Contrast this with 枯れる, which is intransitive and describes the state of withering itself.
Use 〜てしまう for Regret
When you want to express regret about letting a plant wither, add 〜てしまう to the verb. For example, 枯らしてしまった (karashite shimatta) means 'I ended up letting it wither,' conveying sadness or a mistake.
Connect to Plant Care
The most common context for 枯らす is plant care. Think about scenarios like forgetting to water, too much sun, or poor soil. This will help you remember the verb's meaning and usage.
Stress on the Second Syllable
Make sure to stress the second syllable: からす (ka-RA-su). This helps distinguish it from other similar-sounding words and ensures clear pronunciation.
Example
水をやりすぎると植物を枯らしてしまうことがある。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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～上
B1Above; on top of; up.
〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
