荒廃

• Reading: こうはい
• Romaji: kouhai
• Kanji breakdown: 荒 (kō) — rough, wild, ruin; 廃 (hai) — abolish, decay, waste
• Pronunciation: /koː.hai/

Meaning

Ruin; devastation; decay. The state of falling into disrepair or becoming desolate.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (荒廃する). Primarily intransitive — describes places, systems, or morals falling into ruin. Used for abandoned buildings (建物が荒廃する), devastated land (土地の荒廃), and moral decline (精神の荒廃). Carries a literary, somewhat heavy tone. Often seen in news articles about environmental destruction or societal decline.

Examples

1. 戦争で街が荒廃してしまった。 The town was devastated by the war.
2. 人が住まなくなった村は荒廃が進んでいる。 The village where no one lives anymore is falling further into ruin.
3. 自然環境の荒廃を止めなければならない。 We must stop the deterioration of the natural environment.

Usage Guide

Context: environment, history, social commentary

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 荒 (kō, rough/wild/ruined) and 廃 (hai, abolish/decay). Together, 'becoming rough and decayed' — a vivid image of deterioration.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal