埋没

• Reading: まいぼつ
• Romaji: maibotsu
• Kanji breakdown: 埋 (mai/u) — to bury; 没 (botsu) — to sink, submerge
• Pronunciation: /ma.i.bo.tsɯ/

Meaning

Burial; being buried; obscurity. Refers to being submerged, lost, or forgotten within a larger mass.

A noun also used as a する verb, describing both literal burial and figurative submersion into obscurity. 才能が埋没する ('talent being buried unrecognised') is a common figurative use. Encountered frequently in literary, academic, and social commentary contexts to describe individuals or ideas lost within systems or crowds.

Examples

1. 彼の才能は組織の中で埋没してしまっている。 His talent has been buried and lost within the organization.
2. 歴史の中に埋没した記録を掘り起こす作業は困難だ。 The work of unearthing records buried in history is a difficult task.
3. 大都市では個人が集団の中に埋没しやすい。 In big cities, individuals easily become lost in the crowd.

Usage Guide

Context: academic writing, social commentary, literature

Tone: reflective

Origin & History

From 埋 (mai/u) meaning 'to bury' and 没 (botsu) meaning 'to sink, submerge.' Together they convey the image of being buried and sunk below the surface.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated