腐敗

• Reading: ふはい
• Romaji: fuhai
• Kanji breakdown: 腐 (fu) — rot, decay; 敗 (hai) — defeated, ruined
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.haː/

Meaning

Decomposition; decay; putrefaction; rot of organic matter.

A noun and suru verb with both literal and figurative meanings. Literally describes the biological process of organic matter breaking down due to bacteria. Figuratively, widely used to describe moral decay or corruption, especially in politics and institutions (政治の腐敗 = political corruption). Related terms include 腐る (to rot, the intransitive verb) and 汚職 (corruption, as a near-synonym in political contexts).

Examples

1. 夏場は食品の腐敗が早いので注意が必要だ。 Food spoils quickly in summer, so you need to be careful.
2. 政治の腐敗に国民の怒りが高まっている。 Public anger over political corruption is growing.
3. 腐敗した組織を改革するのは容易ではない。 Reforming a corrupt organization is no easy task.

Usage Guide

Context: science, politics, ethics, food safety

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 腐 (fu, to rot/decay) + 敗 (hai, to be defeated/ruined). Literally 'rotting and ruination,' combining biological decay with the notion of deterioration.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal