滅亡（めつぼう、metsubou）
- destruction

The Japanese word 滅亡（めつぼう） means "destruction," "collapse," "ruin," or "fall." It refers to the complete end of something, often a civilization, a kingdom, a species, or even an organization. It implies a total and irreversible loss. This word carries a strong sense of finality and often suggests a tragic or negative outcome. It is a more formal and serious word than some other words for "end." The word 滅亡 carries a strong connotation of the complete end of something. This end is often brought about by external forces or internal flaws. The word 滅亡 can also describe the downfall of a state or a society due to war, internal strife, or natural disasters. The act of bringing about the end can be described as 滅亡させる （metsubou saseru), and the state of being completely ruined can be described as 滅亡した (metsubou shita).

⚫︎ 国が滅亡する Translation: The country collapses. ⚫︎ 恐竜は滅亡した Translation: Dinosaurs went extinct. ⚫︎ 会社は経営難で滅亡した Translation: The company went bankrupt and collapsed due to financial difficulties.

⚫︎ 滅亡 is used in formal writing and speech. ⚫︎ It is appropriate when discussing the end of something significant and often on a large scale. ⚫︎ It’s suitable for historical events, major societal changes, or events with far-reaching consequences. ⚫︎ Avoid using 滅亡 in casual conversation about small things. ⚫︎ The word is often used in contexts such as history, science fiction, and politics.

⚫︎ The word 滅亡 is typically written in kanji: 滅亡. ⚫︎ The reading is めつぼう (metsubou) in hiragana. ⚫︎ There are no variations in okurigana.

⚫︎ 崩壊 (ほうかい - houkai): collapse, breakdown ⚫︎ 破滅 (はめつ - hametsu): ruin, destruction ⚫︎ 終末 (しゅうまつ - shuumatsu): the end (of the world, etc.) ⚫︎ 絶滅 (ぜつめつ - zetsumetsu): extinction ⚫︎ 崩壊 (ほうかい - houkai): collapse

⚫︎ 繁栄 (はんえい - hanei): prosperity, flourishing ⚫︎ 存続 (そんぞく - sonzoku): continuance, survival ⚫︎ 隆盛 (りゅうせい - ryuusei): prosperity, growth

ローマ帝国は長年の戦争と内紛の末に滅亡した。 ・Translation: The Roman Empire collapsed after years of war and internal strife. ・Explanation: This sentence describes the fall of the Roman Empire, a significant historical event, making the use of 滅亡 appropriate.

環境破壊が続けば、人類はいつか滅亡するかもしれない。 ・Translation: If environmental destruction continues, humanity may one day face extinction. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 滅亡 to express a potential end of humankind. The sentence stresses the catastrophic consequences of inaction.

The word 滅亡 is formed from two kanji: 滅 (metsu) and 亡 (bou). ⚫︎ 滅 means "to perish," "to be destroyed," or "to ruin." ⚫︎ 亡 means "to die," "to disappear," or "to be lost." The combination of these kanji conveys the complete loss or end of something.