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B1 adjective #4,000 mais comum 10 min de leitura

枯れた

Top 4,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 枯れた em 30 segundos

Explicação 枯れた in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know the most basic, literal meaning of 枯れた (kareta). It means 'withered' or 'died' specifically for plants. You use it when you see a brown leaf or a dead flower in a pot. It is the past tense of 枯かれる (kareru). Think of it as the opposite of 'green' or 'blooming.' When you see a plant that is no longer living, you can point and say 'Kareta.' It is a very useful word for simple gardening or talking about the seasons. Just remember: it's for plants, not for people or animals at this stage. If your flower at home is brown and dry, it is kareta.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 枯れた (kareta) in slightly more complex sentences. You can use it as an adjective before a noun, like 枯かれた木き (kareta ki - withered tree) or 枯かれた花はな (kareta hana - withered flower). You should also learn to distinguish it from 乾かわいた (kawaita), which means 'dry' like a towel. Kareta is for things that were alive but are now dried out. You might use it to describe the park in winter: 「公園の草が枯れた」 (The grass in the park withered). This level also introduces the idea that kareta happens because of a cause, like 'not giving water' or 'the cold weather.'

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At the B1 level, you move into the metaphorical and cultural uses of 枯れた (kareta). You will start to hear it used to describe a person's voice or an actor's performance. In this context, it doesn't mean they are 'dead,' but that they have a 'seasoned' or 'mature' quality. A 枯かれた声こえ (kareta koe) is a husky, experienced voice often associated with old jazz singers or wise characters in movies. You also learn the transitive version 枯からす (karasu - to let wither/to kill a plant) to describe your own actions. At B1, you should understand that kareta can be a positive word when describing art or personality.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 枯れた (kareta) in professional and aesthetic discussions. You will encounter the term 枯かれた技術ぎじゅつ (kareta gijutsu), which refers to mature, stable technology. You should be able to explain why a company might choose 'withered' technology over something new. You also explore the nuances of Japanese aesthetics like Wabi-sabi, where the beauty of kareta things is celebrated. You can use the word to describe a sophisticated, muted fashion style or a calm, ego-free way of living. Your understanding of the word now includes its social and philosophical weight.

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At the C1 level, you use 枯れた (kareta) with precision in literary analysis and high-level cultural critiques. You can discuss the 'Kare' (withered) aesthetic in Edo-period poetry or traditional performing arts like Noh. You understand the subtle difference between kareta and its synonyms like 凋落ちょうらく (decline) or 萎しなびた (shriveled). You can use kareta to describe a state of spiritual detachment where a person has shed worldly desires. Your usage reflects an understanding that this 'withering' is a necessary step toward reaching a higher level of essential beauty and truth in the Japanese worldview.

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At the C2 level, 枯れた (kareta) is a tool for nuanced expression. You can use it to describe the 'patina' of time on objects and the 'distilled' quality of a lifelong career. You might use it in a philosophical essay to contrast Western concepts of 'eternal youth' with the Japanese appreciation for the 'refined decay' represented by kareta. You master the word's ability to evoke a specific atmosphere of quietude, stability, and profound depth. You can distinguish between a performance that is merely 'old' and one that has truly 'withered' into a masterpiece. The word becomes a gateway to discussing the very core of Japanese sensitivity toward life and death.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

枯れた em 30 segundos

Primarily means withered or dried up, specifically used for plants, trees, and grass that have lost their life force.
Functions as a high compliment for artists and older people, implying a refined, ego-free, and seasoned maturity.
Deeply connected to Japanese 'Wabi-sabi' aesthetics, finding beauty in the aged, simple, and the natural cycle of decay.
In technology, it refers to 'mature' or 'proven' systems that are stable and reliable because they are no longer new.

The Japanese word 枯れた (kareta) is a fascinating term that captures a specific state of being, moving far beyond its literal biological definition. At its most basic level, it is the past or perfective form of the verb 枯かれる (kareru), meaning to wither, die, or dry up. However, in the context of Japanese aesthetics and daily conversation, it takes on a profound secondary meaning. When applied to plants, it indicates that they have lost their life force, turning brown and brittle. But when applied to people, their voices, or their artistic performances, it describes a state of seasoned maturity, where the flashy, unnecessary 'moisture' of youth has evaporated, leaving behind a refined, essential, and deeply soulful core.

Literal Meaning: This refers to vegetation that has completely dried out. In a garden, kareta leaves are those that have fallen in autumn or died due to lack of water. It implies a total loss of green vitality.
Metaphorical Meaning (Positive): In the world of traditional arts like Kabuki, Noh, or tea ceremony, kareta is a high compliment. It suggests that an artist has aged gracefully, shedding ego and ostentation to reach a level of simple, profound beauty. It is the 'seasoned' quality of a master.
Aesthetic Connection: The word is deeply tied to the concept of Wabi-sabi. It finds beauty in the imperfect, the aged, and the transient. A kareta landscape isn't just dead; it is a poignant reminder of the cycle of life and the quiet dignity of the end of a season.

You will encounter this word most frequently when gardening, discussing the seasons, or reviewing performances. In a literal sense, if you forget to water your houseplant for a month, you would sadly point at the brown stems and say, 「あ、枯れた。」 (Ah, it withered). In a more sophisticated context, a music critic might describe an elderly blues singer's voice as 「枯れた声」 (kareta koe), meaning a voice that is husky, experienced, and emotionally resonant precisely because it lacks the clarity of a younger person.

庭のひまわりがすっかり枯れたので、種を収穫しました。
(The sunflowers in the garden have completely withered, so I harvested the seeds.)

Understanding the nuance between kareta and other 'dry' words is key. While 乾かわいた (kawaita) means simply dry (like clothes or soil), kareta specifically implies the cessation of biological life or the refinement of character. It is a state change. Once a tree has kareta, it doesn't just need water; it has transitioned into a new phase of existence. This sense of 'finality' or 'completion' is what gives the word its weight in Japanese literature and art reviews.

彼の演技には、若手には出せない枯れた味わいがある。
(His acting has a seasoned flavor that young actors cannot produce.)

Using 枯れた (kareta) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a verb in the past tense functioning as an adjective. In Japanese, verbs in the plain past form can modify nouns directly. Thus, kareta + [Noun] describes a noun that is currently in a 'withered' state. It is the result of the process of 枯かれる (kareru) having been completed.

Modifying Nouns: The most common structure is [Noun] + が + 枯れた or 枯れた + [Noun]. For example, 枯かれた花はな (kareta hana) means 'withered flowers.' This is used to describe the appearance of the flower at this moment.
Describing Atmosphere: When describing a person's demeanor or the vibe of a place, kareta is used to suggest a lack of greed or excessive energy. 枯かれた雰囲気ふんいき (kareta fun'iki) describes a calm, understated, and mature atmosphere, often found in old Japanese towns or traditional tea rooms.

In sentence construction, you will often see kareta paired with adverbs like 全まったく (mattaku - completely) or すっかり (sukkari - entirely) to emphasize the extent of the withering. Because it is a state-change verb, the past tense kareta is used even if the thing is withered right now in front of you. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who might want to use a present tense form.

水やりを忘れて、大切にしていた観葉植物が枯れた。
(I forgot to water it, and the houseplant I cherished withered.)

When using the word metaphorically for people, it is usually reserved for those who are older (usually 50s and above). To call a young person kareta might be interpreted as saying they lack ambition or energy in a negative way, whereas for an older person, it implies they have found peace and wisdom. Context is vital. If you say someone's fashion is kareta, it might mean it's earthy, muted, and sophisticated (like browns and greys), rather than bright and flashy.

あの老俳優の枯れた魅力に惹かれるファンは多い。
(There are many fans attracted to that old actor's seasoned charm.)

Common Collocations: 1. 枯かれた芝生しばふ (kareta shibafu) - Brown/dormant grass.
2. 枯かれた技術ぎじゅつ (kareta gijutsu) - Mature/proven technology (tech that is no longer 'bleeding edge' but is stable and reliable).
3. 枯かれた色いろ (kareta iro) - Muted, earthy colors.

In daily Japanese life, 枯れた (kareta) is a word that changes its 'vibe' depending on where you are. If you are at a home center or a florist, it's a word of concern. If you are at a jazz club or an art gallery, it's a word of high praise. Understanding these domains will help you use it like a native speaker.

In the Garden and Nature: During the transition from autumn to winter, you will hear people remarking on the changing scenery. 枯かれた葉は (kareta ha - dead leaves) crunching underfoot is a staple of Japanese seasonal poetry. Gardeners use it to diagnose health: 「この枝、枯れてるね」 (This branch is withered/dead). It’s a matter-of-fact observation of biological status.
In Art and Performance Reviews: This is where the word becomes sophisticated. Music critics often describe a veteran musician's sound as kareta. They mean the sound is no longer about showing off fast fingers or high notes, but about the space between notes and the depth of soul. A 枯かれた音色ねいろ (kareta neiro - seasoned tone) is considered the pinnacle of artistic achievement in many Japanese disciplines.
In Technology (Engineering): Surprisingly, software and hardware engineers use this word. 枯かれた技術ぎじゅつ (kareta gijutsu) refers to 'mature technology.' This is tech that has been around long enough that all the bugs are known and fixed. It’s not 'old' in a bad way; it's 'reliable.' For mission-critical systems, engineers prefer kareta technology over the latest, unproven trends.

You might also hear it in casual conversation when people talk about their own aging. Someone might say, 「最近、趣味も枯れてきたよ」 (Lately, even my hobbies have become 'withered'), suggesting they have moved away from high-adrenaline activities like sports to something quieter like bonsai or reading. It implies a calming down of one's spirit.

冬の公園には、枯れた木々が静かに立っている。
(In the winter park, withered trees stand quietly.)

Finally, in the context of fashion and design, kareta describes a palette. It refers to the 'dry' colors of nature—beiges, khakis, deep browns, and muted greens. This 'kareta color' aesthetic is highly valued in traditional Japanese interior design and high-end textiles, representing a departure from the 'loud' and 'wet' colors of modernity.

While 枯れた (kareta) is a common word, learners often trip up on its specific nuances, mixing it up with other words for 'dry' or 'dead,' or misapplying its metaphorical praise.

Mistake 1: Kareta vs. Kawaita: The most common error is using kareta when you mean 乾かわいた (kawaita). Kawaita means something has lost surface moisture (like clothes after washing or a thirsty throat). Kareta means the internal life-source is gone. You cannot say your laundry has kareta, and you shouldn't say a withered plant has merely kawaita if it is actually dead.
Mistake 2: Applying 'Kareta' to Young People: Calling a 20-year-old kareta is usually an insult. It implies they are boring, lack passion, or have given up on life. The positive 'seasoned' meaning only applies to those who have already lived through a 'vibrant' phase and have now reached a stage of refinement. For a young person, use words like 落おち着ついた (ochitsuita - calm/composed) instead.
Mistake 3: Kareta vs. Shioreta: 萎しおれた (shioreta) means 'wilted.' A wilted plant is drooping but still alive; it just needs water. A kareta plant is brown and dead. If you tell someone their flowers have kareta, they might throw them away. If you say shioreta, they will grab a watering can.

Another subtle mistake is the confusion between the intransitive 枯かれる (kareru) and the transitive 枯からす (karasu). If you say 「花が枯らした」, it is grammatically incorrect. It must be 「花が枯れた」 (The flower withered) or 「（私が）花を枯らした」 (I withered/killed the flower). Learners often forget that kareta describes the state of the subject itself.

❌ 洗濯物が枯れた。
✅ 洗濯物が乾いた。
(Correct: The laundry dried. Incorrect: The laundry withered.)

Finally, be careful with the word 死しんだ (shinda - died). While a withered plant is technically dead, Japanese people almost always prefer kareta for plants. Using shinda for a tree or flower sounds slightly jarring or overly dramatic, as if the plant had a person-like consciousness. Kareta is the natural, expected term for botanical death.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for describing various states of drying, dying, and aging. Understanding how 枯れた (kareta) fits among its peers will elevate your fluency.

萎びた (Shinabita): This means 'shriveled.' It is often used for vegetables that have lost their crispness or skin that has become wrinkled with age. Unlike kareta, which suggests a dry, brittle state, shinabita suggests a loss of internal pressure and a resulting wrinkliness. A shinabita apple is still an apple, just not a fresh one.
凋んだ (Shibonda): This means 'deflated' or 'withered' specifically in the sense of losing volume. It is used for balloons that have lost air, or flowers that have closed up and started to die. It focuses on the loss of shape.
老練な (Rōren-na): If you want to use the 'seasoned' meaning of kareta but in a more formal, professional way, rōren-na (veteran/skilled) is a great alternative. While kareta is an aesthetic judgment, rōren-na is a judgment of skill and experience.

In a literary context, you might see 凋落ちょうらく (chōraku), which means 'fall' or 'decline,' often used for the literal falling of withered petals or the metaphorical fall of a powerful family. It has a much more dramatic and melancholic tone than the everyday kareta.

冷蔵庫の奥で、きゅうりが萎びていた。
(In the back of the fridge, the cucumber had shriveled.)

For the 'dry' aspect, 乾燥かんそうした (kansō shita) is the technical term for 'dehydrated' or 'arid.' You see this on weather reports (乾燥注意報かんそうちゅういほう - dry weather warning) or on skin care products. It lacks the poetic and biological weight of kareta. You wouldn't say a tree kansō shita unless you were a scientist measuring its moisture content.

When describing someone who is 'past their prime' in a negative way, the word 盛さかりを過すぎた (zakari o sugita) is more common. Kareta is almost always reserved for a state of beauty or stability, even if that beauty is a quiet, autumnal one. Choosing kareta shows a deep appreciation for the subject's current state, rather than just noting what they have lost.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The transition from 'dead plant' to 'refined artist' happened because Japanese culture values the 'essence' that remains after the surface-level vitality fades away.

Guia de pronúncia

UK ka.ɾe.ta

US ka.ɾe.ta

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. 'Kareta' typically has a Low-High-Low or Low-High-High pattern depending on the dialect, but in standard Japanese, 're' is slightly higher.

Rima com

Hareta (Cleared up) Mareta (Rare) Nareta (Got used to) Pareta (Exposed) Wareta (Broke) Tareta (Dripped) Toreta (Was taken) Sureta (Worn down)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 're' like the English 'ray' with a hard 'r'.
Stressing the first syllable 'KA-reta'.
Confusing it with 'kare' (he) + 'ta' (past tense marker for a different verb).

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

The kanji is common but the metaphorical meanings require cultural knowledge.

Escrita 3/5

The kanji 枯 is relatively simple to write (Tree + Old).

Expressão oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but tricky to use the metaphorical sense correctly.

Audição 2/5

Commonly heard in seasonal and artistic contexts.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

木花水死ぬ古い

Aprenda a seguir

萎びる萎れる乾燥熟成渋い

Avançado

枯淡侘び寂び幽玄円熟落魄

Gramática essencial

Verb Plain Past + Noun

枯れた花 (Withered flower)

Intransitive vs Transitive

花が枯れた vs 花を枯らした

State-change Verbs in Past Tense

It is withered now, but we say 'kareta' (past).

Adverbial Modification

すっかり枯れた (Completely withered)

Compound Noun Formation

枯れ + 葉 = 枯れ葉

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Exemplos por nível

花が枯れた。

The flower withered.

Simple past tense of an intransitive verb.

この草は枯れた。

This grass withered.

Subject + は + Verb.

水がないから、枯れた。

Because there is no water, it withered.

Using から to show reason.

枯れた葉っぱ。

Withered leaves.

Past verb acting as an adjective.

木が枯れた。

The tree withered.

Noun + が + Verb.

全部枯れた。

Everything withered.

Adverb 'zenbu' emphasizing the extent.

あ、枯れたね。

Oh, it withered, didn't it?

Sentence-ending particle 'ne' for agreement.

枯れた花を捨てます。

I will throw away the withered flowers.

Direct object with 'o' particle.

冬になって、庭の木がすっかり枯れた。

Winter came, and the trees in the garden withered completely.

Using 'sukkari' for emphasis.

枯れた花に水をあげても、もう遅い。

Even if you give water to a withered flower, it's too late.

Condition '~te mo' (even if).

この枯れた枝を切ってください。

Please cut this withered branch.

Polite request with '~te kudasai'.

暑すぎて、植物が枯れた。

It was too hot, so the plants withered.

Using '~sugite' (too much).

枯れた草を集めて、火をつけます。

Collect the withered grass and start a fire.

Sequential actions with '~te' form.

道に枯れた葉がたくさん落ちている。

Many withered leaves are falling on the road.

Existential sentence with 'ochite iru'.

去年植えた花が、すぐに枯れた。

The flowers I planted last year withered quickly.

Relative clause 'kyonen ueta hana'.

枯れた色が好きです。

I like withered (muted) colors.

Abstract use of 'kareta'.

彼の歌声には、枯れた魅力がある。

His singing voice has a seasoned charm.

Metaphorical use for voice/charm.

枯れた技術を使って、安定したシステムを作る。

Use mature technology to build a stable system.

Professional/Technical context.

あの俳優は、年を重ねていい具合に枯れてきた。

That actor has aged and 'withered' (matured) in a good way.

Using '~te kita' to show a process over time.

都会の喧騒を離れ、枯れた生活を送りたい。

I want to leave the city bustle and lead a quiet, simple life.

Describing a lifestyle of detachment.

枯れた芝生が、春になるとまた緑になる。

The withered grass will turn green again when spring comes.

Contrast between seasons.

祖父は枯れた筆致で、見事な絵を描く。

My grandfather draws stunning pictures with a seasoned brushstroke.

Describing artistic style.

このお寺には、枯れた趣がある。

This temple has a refined, rustic atmosphere.

Aesthetic description of a place.

枯れた声で「さよなら」と言った。

He said 'Goodbye' in a husky, weathered voice.

Describing the quality of a sound.

最先端の技術よりも、枯れた技術の方が信頼できる場合もある。

There are cases where mature technology is more reliable than cutting-edge technology.

Comparative structure '~yori mo ... no hō ga'.

彼の文章は、無駄な装飾が削ぎ落とされた枯れた美しさがある。

His writing has a seasoned beauty with all unnecessary decorations stripped away.

Describing literary style.

かつての情熱は枯れたが、今は穏やかな愛がある。

The passion of the past has withered, but now there is a gentle love.

Metaphorical use for emotions.

枯れた味わいのワインを、静かなバーで楽しむ。

Enjoy a wine with a seasoned flavor in a quiet bar.

Describing culinary/sensory experience.

彼は「枯れた」境地に達したと言われている。

It is said that he has reached a 'withered' (spiritually detached) state of mind.

Describing a spiritual level (kyōchi).

冬の枯れた野原を歩くと、心が落ち着く。

Walking through a withered field in winter calms my mind.

Connecting nature with psychological state.

その伝統芸能には、何百年もかけて磨かれた「枯れ」の美学がある。

That traditional art has an aesthetic of 'withering' polished over hundreds of years.

Using 'kare' as a noun for the aesthetic concept.

若さゆえの荒々しさが消え、枯れた演技が光っている。

The roughness of youth has disappeared, and his seasoned acting is shining.

Contrast between 'youthful roughness' and 'mature refinement'.

芭蕉の句には、枯れた自然観が色濃く反映されている。

Basho's haiku deeply reflect a withered view of nature.

Analysis of classical literature.

俗世の欲を捨て去った、枯れた佇まいの老人に感銘を受けた。

I was impressed by the old man's seasoned appearance, having cast aside worldly desires.

Describing spiritual detachment.

その建築物は、コンクリートの冷たさと枯れた木材の質感が絶妙に調和している。

The building has an exquisite harmony between the coldness of concrete and the texture of seasoned wood.

Architectural critique.

枯れた味わいの中にも、一本筋の通った力強さを感じる。

Even within that seasoned flavor, one feels a consistent, core strength.

Complex nuance: strength within withering.

彼はあえて枯れた色調を多用することで、作品に奥行きを与えている。

He gives depth to his work by intentionally using many muted, 'withered' tones.

Artistic technique explanation.

権力への執着が枯れたとき、初めて真の自由が得られるのかもしれない。

Perhaps true freedom is only gained when one's obsession with power has withered away.

Philosophical speculation.

日本の「枯淡」という美意識は、この「枯れた」という感覚に端を発している。

The Japanese aesthetic of 'Kotan' (refined simplicity) originates from this sense of being 'withered'.

Etymological/Aesthetic link.

そのピアニストの枯れた指先からは、人生の哀歓が滲み出るような音が紡がれる。

From that pianist's seasoned fingertips, sounds are spun that seem to ooze the sorrows and joys of life.

High-level metaphorical description.

円熟味を通り越し、もはや「枯れた」としか表現しようのない至高の芸に接した。

I encountered a supreme art that went beyond mere maturity and could only be described as 'withered'.

Expressing the limit of description.

万物が枯れ果てた冬の静寂の中にこそ、生命の根源的な息吹が潜んでいる。

In the winter silence where all things have completely withered, the fundamental breath of life lies hidden.

Paradoxical philosophical statement.

彼の哲学は、長年の苦悩を経て、一切の虚飾を剥ぎ取った枯れた言葉へと昇華された。

Through years of suffering, his philosophy was sublimated into seasoned words stripped of all pretension.

Describing intellectual evolution.

「枯れる」ことは喪失ではなく、本質への回帰であるという日本的死生観を体現している。

It embodies the Japanese view of life and death, where 'withering' is not loss, but a return to essence.

Cultural-philosophical analysis.

その老政治家の枯れた物腰には、修羅場を潜り抜けてきた者特有の凄みが漂う。

In that old politician's seasoned manner, there is an underlying intensity unique to those who have survived fierce battles.

Complex character description.

伝統の重圧に抗うのではなく、それを受け入れ、自らも枯れていくことで伝統の一部となる。

Rather than resisting the pressure of tradition, one accepts it and becomes part of it by 'withering' oneself.

Discussion of traditional transmission.

枯れた筆致の奥底に、かつての烈火のような情熱の残滓を読み取ることができる。

Deep beneath the seasoned brushstrokes, one can read the remnants of a once-fiery passion.

Advanced literary/artistic critique.

現代の消費社会において、あえて「枯れた」ものを愛でる行為は、一種の抵抗と言える。

In modern consumer society, the act of intentionally appreciating 'withered' things can be called a form of resistance.

Sociological observation.

Colocações comuns

枯れた花

枯れた声

枯れた技術

枯れた演技

枯れた色

枯れた味わい

枯れた雰囲気

枯れた心

枯れた枝

すっかり枯れた

Frases Comuns

枯れた技術の水平思考

— Lateral thinking with withered (mature) technology. A famous philosophy by Nintendo's Gunpei Yokoi.

彼は「枯れた技術の水平思考」でヒット商品を生んだ。

枯れ木も山の賑わい

— Even a withered tree adds to the mountain's scenery. Used to say even someone insignificant can be of some use.

枯れ木も山の賑わいと言いますし、私も参加します。

枯れ果てる

— To wither away completely. Often used for emotions or resources.

涙も枯れ果ててしまった。

枯れ芝

— Withered/brown grass typical of winter in Japan.

枯れ芝の上で子供たちが遊んでいる。

枯れ葉剤

— Defoliant (herbicide). Note: This is a very specific technical/historical term.

戦争で枯れ葉剤が使われた。

枯れ色

— Withered colors; muted earth tones.

枯れ色のコーディネートが流行している。

枯れ専

— Slang for someone who is specifically attracted to older, 'withered' men.

彼女は枯れ専らしいよ。

枯れた魅力

— The charm of a seasoned person.

おじさんの枯れた魅力がわかるようになった。

花が枯れる

— The standard way to say a flower dies.

水を忘れると花が枯れるよ。

声が枯れる

— To lose one's voice (due to shouting/cold), though 'kareru' here uses a different kanji (嗄れる) but is often confused.

叫びすぎて声が枯れた。

Frequentemente confundido com

枯れた vs 乾いた (Kawaita)

Refers to surface moisture being gone (clothes, throat). Kareta refers to biological life being gone.

枯れた vs 萎れた (Shioreta)

Refers to drooping/wilting. A shioreta plant can be revived; a kareta one usually cannot.

枯れた vs 死んだ (Shinda)

Means 'died.' While accurate, 'kareta' is the standard, more natural term for plants.

Expressões idiomáticas

"枯れ木に花"

— Flowers on a withered tree. Something wonderful happening after a long period of bad luck.

彼に昇進の話が来るなんて、まさに枯れ木に花だ。

Literary

"枯れ木も山の賑わい"

— Something is better than nothing; even a useless person adds to the numbers.

私のような者でも、枯れ木も山の賑わいでお手伝いします。

Neutral

"枯れ野の夢"

— A dream on a withered field. Refers to the transience of life (from a famous Basho haiku).

人生は枯れ野の夢のようなものだ。

Poetic

"涙も枯れる"

— To cry so much that no more tears come out.

あまりの悲しみに、涙も枯れてしまった。

Emotional

"喉が枯れる"

— To become extremely thirsty or to lose one's voice.

一日中歌って、喉が枯れた。

Casual

"金が枯れる"

— Metaphorical use for running out of money (not common, but understood).

資金が枯れてしまった。

Business

"才能が枯れる"

— For one's talent or creativity to dry up.

彼は若くして才能が枯れてしまったと言われている。

Neutral

"井戸が枯れる"

— For a well to dry up.

干ばつで井戸が枯れた。

Neutral

"筆が枯れる"

— For a writer to lose their inspiration or ability to write.

作家としての筆が枯れてしまった。

Literary

"心が枯れる"

— To become emotionally dry or lose passion.

忙しすぎて心が枯れそうだ。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

枯れた vs 嗄れる (Kareru)

Same pronunciation (kareru).

This 'kareru' means to have a hoarse or husky voice due to strain. While 'kareta koe' (seasoned voice) uses the 'wither' kanji, 'koe ga kareta' (lost my voice) often uses the 'hoarse' kanji.

叫びすぎて声が嗄れた。

枯れた vs 涸れる (Kareru)

Same pronunciation (kareru).

This refers to liquids drying up, like a well or a river.

井戸が涸れた。

枯れた vs 離れる (Hanareru)

Phonetically similar to some learners.

Means to separate or leave.

家族と離れる。

枯れた vs 駆ける (Kakeru)

Phonetically similar.

Means to run or gallop.

草原を駆ける。

枯れた vs 荒れる (Areru)

Both describe a negative state of nature/skin.

Areru means to be rough or stormy. Kareta means to be dry and dead.

肌が荒れる。

Padrões de frases

[Plant] が枯れた。

ひまわりが枯れた。

枯れた [Noun] を [Verb]。

枯れた葉を掃除する。

[Person] は枯れた魅力がある。

あの歌手は枯れた魅力がある。

[Tech] は枯れた技術だ。

これは枯れた技術だ。

すっかり枯れてしまった。

大事な木がすっかり枯れてしまった。

枯れた味わいの中に、[Nuance] がある。

枯れた味わいの中に、強さがある。

枯れた境地に達する。

彼は枯れた境地に達した。

[Noun] が枯れ果てる。

情熱が枯れ果てる。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

枯れ Withering; the state of being seasoned.

枯れ葉 Dead leaf.

枯れ木 Withered/dead tree.

Verbos

枯れる To wither (intransitive).

枯らす To let wither (transitive).

枯れ果てる To wither away completely.

Adjetivos

枯れた Withered (past form used as adjective).

Relacionado

乾燥 (Dehydration)

凋落 (Decline)

渋み (Aesthetic bitterness/refinement)

侘び寂び (Wabi-sabi)

熟成 (Aging/Maturation)

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Como usar

frequency

Common in daily life (gardening/seasons) and professional art/tech contexts.

Erros comuns

Using 'kareta' for dry clothes. → Kawaita (乾いた).
Clothes were never alive, so they cannot 'wither.' Use 'kawaita' for surface dryness.
Calling a young person 'kareta' to mean they are cool. → Ochitsuita (落ち着いた).
For young people, 'kareta' sounds like they have no energy. 'Ochitsuita' means they are mature/calm.
Saying 'Hana ga karashita'. → Hana ga kareta.
'Karasu' is transitive (I killed it). 'Kareru' is intransitive (It withered).
Using 'kareta' for a dry throat. → Nodo ga kawaita.
'Kareta' for a throat usually means you've lost your voice, not that you want water.
Using 'shinda' for every dead plant. → Kareta.
While not 'wrong,' 'kareta' is much more natural and common for botanical subjects.

Dicas

Plant Diagnosis

If the leaves are brown and snap when you bend them, they are 'kareta'. If they are just drooping, they are 'shioreta'.

The Master's Voice

When you hear an old Japanese singer with a gravelly, soulful voice, describe it as 'kareta koe' to impress your Japanese friends.

Past vs. Present

Even if the plant is withered right now, we usually use the past form 'kareta' because the process of withering is complete.

Wabi-Sabi Vibes

Use 'kareta' to describe the beauty of a winter garden. It shows you appreciate the quiet side of nature.

Reliable Tech

In a meeting, if you want to suggest using a stable, older software version, call it 'kareta gijutsu'.

Age Sensitivity

Never call your boss 'kareta' unless you are specifically praising their artistic 'seasoned' skill. It can imply they are 'washed up' if used wrongly.

Compound Words

Learn 'kareha' (dead leaf) and 'kareki' (dead tree) as a set. They are very common in literature.

The Brown Car

Remember: A brown **CAR** in the **TA**n (sun) is **KARETA** (withered).

Particle Choice

Use 'ga' with 'kareta' for natural observations: 'Ki ga kareta' (The tree withered).

Kanji Tip

The kanji 枯 has 'tree' (木) on the left. This reminds you it's primarily for plants!

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a **CAR** (Ka) that is **RE**ally (Re) **TA**n (Ta) because it's been sitting in the sun so long it withered like a plant.

Associação visual

A brown, crunchy autumn leaf. When you see one, think 'Kareta'.

Word Web

Plants Autumn Brown Dry Seasoned Old Actor Proven Tech Wabi-sabi

Desafio

Go to a park and find 5 things that are 'kareta'. Take a photo and label them in your mind: 'Kareta ha' (leaf), 'Kareta ki' (tree), etc.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'karu'. The kanji 枯 combines 木 (tree) and 古 (old), literally representing an 'old tree' that has lost its life.

Significado original: A tree becoming old and dry.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to use it for young people unless you mean to say they are boring or lack energy. Use it with respect for the elderly.

In English, 'withered' is almost 100% negative. In Japanese, it can be a high-level compliment for a person's character.

Matsuo Basho's haiku: 'On a withered branch / A crow has settled / Autumn nightfall.' Gunpei Yokoi's 'Kareta Gijutsu no Suisui Shinkou' (Nintendo's design philosophy). The aesthetic of 'Wabi-sabi' in tea ceremonies.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Gardening

水が足りなくて枯れた。
枯れた葉を取り除く。
この木はもう枯れている。
枯らさないように気をつける。

Art Review

枯れた演技に感動した。
枯れた音色が美しい。
若さにはない枯れた魅力。
作品に枯れた味わいがある。

Technology

枯れた技術の採用。
システムの安定性は枯れた技術にある。
新しければいいというわけではない。
枯れたソフトを使う。

Winter Season

枯れ野を歩く。
枯れ木に雪が積もる。
冬の枯れた景色。
枯れ葉が舞う。

Personal Growth

彼もいい具合に枯れてきた。
欲望が枯れる。
枯れた生活を楽しむ。
心が枯れないようにする。

Iniciadores de conversa

"「最近、ベランダの植物が枯れたんだけど、どうすればいいかな？」 (Lately my balcony plants withered, what should I do?)"

"「あの俳優の枯れた演技、どう思う？」 (What do you think of that actor's seasoned acting?)"

"「冬の枯れた公園の雰囲気って、落ち着くよね。」 (The atmosphere of a withered winter park is calming, isn't it?)"

"「新しい技術よりも、枯れた技術の方が安心できることってあるよね？」 (There are times when mature tech is more reassuring than new tech, right?)"

"「枯れた色合いの服、最近よく着てるね。」 (You've been wearing withered-toned clothes often lately.)"

Temas para diário

庭や道で見つけた「枯れた」ものについて詳しく描写してください。 (Describe in detail something 'withered' you found in a garden or on the street.)

あなたが「枯れた魅力」を感じる有名人やアーティストは誰ですか？その理由も書いてください。 (Who is a celebrity or artist you feel has 'seasoned charm'? Write the reason too.)

「枯れた技術」が役立っている例を、身の回りから探してみましょう。 (Look for examples around you where 'mature technology' is useful.)

自分の情熱が「枯れた」と感じたことはありますか？それは良いことでしたか、悪いことでしたか？ (Have you ever felt your passion 'withered'? Was it a good or bad thing?)

「瑞々しさ（若さ）」と「枯れ（成熟）」、今のあなたはどちらを大切にしたいですか？ (Between 'freshness' and 'withering', which do you want to value more right now?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No. For people, 'kareta' refers to their personality or appearance being seasoned and mature. To say someone died, use 'shinda' or 'nakunatta'.

Usually, yes. It implies they have reached a level of mastery where they don't need to show off. However, in some contexts, it could imply they've lost their spark, so check the tone.

It means 'mature technology.' These are tools or methods that have been used for a long time and are known to be stable and reliable, even if they aren't 'cool' or new.

Use the transitive form: 'Hana o karashite shimatta' (I accidentally let the flower wither).

Usually 'shinabita' (shriveled) or 'kawaita' (dry) is used for skin. 'Kareta' for skin would sound very literary and imply a total loss of vitality.

No. For bread, use 'pasa-pasa' (dry/crumbly) or 'kawaita'. 'Kareta' is only for things that were once biologically alive like plants.

'Kareta' focuses on the fact that the withering happened (past/perfect). 'Karete iru' focuses on the current state of being withered. In many cases, they are interchangeable.

Famous designer Gunpei Yokoi believed in using cheap, well-understood ('withered') technology in creative new ways rather than chasing expensive, unproven new tech.

No, they are completely different words. 'Kare' (he) is a pronoun; 'kareta' is a verb form.

No, for a river drying up, use 'kareta' with a different kanji (涸れた) or 'kawaita'.

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