潮が引く

• Reading: しおがひく
• Romaji: shio ga hiku
• Kanji breakdown: 潮 (chou/shio) — tide, current; 引 (in/hi) — pull, draw
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.o.ɡa.hi.kɯ/

Meaning

The tide goes out; the tide ebbs; used figuratively for things fading away.

A verb phrase describing the natural recession of the tide. Literally used in coastal and marine contexts, it is also commonly used as a metaphor for crowds dispersing, enthusiasm fading, or something gradually diminishing. The figurative use 潮が引くように is a vivid simile meaning 'as if the tide were receding.'

Examples

1. 夕方になると潮が引いて岩場が現れた。 In the evening, the tide went out and the rocky shore appeared.
2. 潮が引くのを待ってから貝を拾いに行こう。 Let's wait for the tide to go out before going to pick up shellfish.
3. お祭りが終わると潮が引くように人がいなくなった。 When the festival ended, the crowd melted away like a receding tide.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, coastal life, figurative expression

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Natural compound of 潮 (shio, tide) + が (subject marker) + 引く (hiku, to pull/recede). An ancient expression rooted in Japan's coastal culture and close relationship with the sea.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal