自然淘汰

• Reading: しぜんとうた
• Romaji: shizentouta
• Kanji breakdown: 自 (shi) — self; 然 (zen) — so, natural; 淘 (tou) — wash, sift; 汰 (ta) — eliminate excess
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.zeɴ.toː.ta/

Meaning

Natural selection; the process by which the unfit are naturally eliminated.

A four-character compound (四字熟語) used as both a noun and する verb (自然淘汰される). Originally a biological term from Darwin's theory of evolution, it is also widely used metaphorically in business and social contexts to describe the elimination of weaker competitors or outdated practices. 淘汰 alone means 'elimination/weeding out.'

Examples

1. 競争力のない企業は自然淘汰されていく。 Companies that lack competitiveness will naturally be weeded out.
2. ダーウィンの自然淘汰の理論は生物学の基礎だ。 Darwin's theory of natural selection is the foundation of biology.
3. 時代に合わない伝統は自然淘汰される運命にある。 Traditions that no longer fit the times are destined to be naturally phased out.

Usage Guide

Context: biology, business, social commentary

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 自然 (shizen, nature/natural) + 淘汰 (touta, selection/elimination). 淘 means 'to wash and sort' and 汰 means 'to eliminate excess,' together describing the winnowing process found in nature.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal