Japanese Conversation · Level 124
60 words
Japanese word
劣化
Pronunciation
Romajirekka
Meaning
- noundegradation
Example
古い機械は劣化しやすいです。furu i ki kai wa rek ka shi ya su i de su
Old machines deteriorate easily.
More examples
紫外線はプラスチックの劣化を早めます。shi gai sen wa pu ra su chi kku no rek ka o haya me ma su
Ultraviolet rays accelerate the degradation of plastic.
Core concept
Describes a gradual loss of quality or function that leaves something in a worse state than before.
Common phrases
劣化を防ぐrek ka o fuse gu
prevent degradation
劣化を早めるrek ka o haya me ru
accelerate degradation
劣化が進むrek ka ga susu mu
degradation progresses
経年劣化kei nen rek ka
age-related degradation
Similar words
老朽化rōkyūka: A decline caused by aging in a building, machine, or system.
損耗sonmō: A reduction in condition or amount caused by use, friction, or other wear.
摩耗mamō: A gradual loss of material from rubbing or repeated use.
Definition in Japanese
物や機能などの状態や性能が時間や使用によって悪くなること。mono ya ki nō na do no jō tai ya sei nō ga ji kan ya shi yō ni yo tte waru ku na ru ko to
Word origin
劣 (retsu, "inferior") + 化 (ka, "change") forms 劣化 (rekka), meaning a change into a worse state.
Usage tips
- In Japanese, 劣化 (rekka) covers declining quality or performance from use or time, while 老朽化 (rōkyūka) more specifically highlights aging in buildings, equipment, or systems.