少子化

• Reading: しょうしか
• Romaji: shoushika
• Kanji breakdown: 少 (shou) — few, little; 子 (shi) — child; 化 (ka) — change, -ification
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː.ɕi.ka/

Meaning

Declining birth rate; decline in the number of children. A demographic trend of fewer children being born.

A noun that can function as a suru-verb (少子化する). One of the most pressing social issues in Japan, frequently paired with 高齢化 as 少子高齢化 (declining birth rate and ageing population). Common collocations include 少子化対策 (measures against declining birth rate) and 少子化問題 (declining birth rate problem).

Examples

1. 少子化の影響で学校の数が減っている。 The number of schools is decreasing due to the declining birth rate.
2. 政府は少子化対策に力を入れている。 The government is putting effort into measures to address the declining birth rate.
3. 少子高齢化は日本の大きな課題だ。 The declining birth rate and aging population is a major challenge for Japan.

Usage Guide

Context: news, politics, social issues

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Composed of 少子 (few children, from 少 'few' + 子 'children') and 化 (to change into, -ification). Literally the transformation into having fewer children.

Cultural Context

Era: Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal