消滅する

• Reading: しょうめつする
• Romaji: shoumetsu suru
• Kanji breakdown: 消 (shou) — to extinguish, erase; 滅 (metsu) — to destroy, perish
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː.me.tsɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To disappear completely; to become extinct; to perish. Describes the total cessation of something that once existed.

A する verb formed from the noun 消滅 (extinction/annihilation). Stronger than 消える (to disappear) — implies complete and often permanent vanishing. Used for species extinction, the end of civilisations, legal rights expiring, and figurative contexts.

Examples

1. 多くの古代文明が戦争で消滅した。 Many ancient civilizations were wiped out by war.
2. このままでは絶滅危惧種が消滅してしまう。 At this rate, endangered species will go extinct.
3. 契約の効力は三年後に消滅する。 The contract's validity will expire in three years.

Usage Guide

Context: history, science, legal

Tone: grave

Origin & History

Compound of 消 (shou, to extinguish/erase) and 滅 (metsu, to destroy/perish). Together they describe complete obliteration — erased and destroyed.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated