腐敗する

• Reading: ふはいする
• Romaji: fuhai suru
• Kanji breakdown: 腐 (fu) — rot, putrefy; 敗 (hai) — ruin, be defeated, decay
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.ha.i.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To decay; to decompose; to rot; to putrefy. Describes the biological breakdown of organic matter, and figuratively the moral decline of institutions.

A Group 3 (irregular する) verb. 腐敗 describes the process of organic matter breaking down through bacterial or fungal activity, producing foul-smelling compounds. Distinguished from 分解 (chemical decomposition broadly), 腐敗 emphasises the biological and often malodorous aspects of decay. The metaphorical use — institutional or moral corruption — is equally common in journalism and social commentary.

Examples

1. 食品が腐敗するのを防ぐため、冷蔵保存が欠かせない。 Refrigerated storage is essential to prevent food from decaying.
2. 森林の落ち葉は微生物によって腐敗し、土壌に栄養を与える。 Fallen leaves in forests decompose through microorganisms, returning nutrients to the soil.
3. 腐敗した組織を改革するには、外部からの監視が必要だという意見もある。 Some argue that reforming a corrupt organisation requires external oversight.

Usage Guide

Context: biology, food science, ecology, social commentary

Tone: descriptive

Origin & History

腐 means rotting or putrid, and 敗 means to be ruined or defeated. The combination conveys something deteriorating beyond recovery. Used in both biological and metaphorical senses in Classical Chinese literature.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal