絶滅

• Reading: ぜつめつ
• Romaji: zetsumetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 絶 (zetsu) — sever, cut off, extinct; 滅 (metsu) — destroy, perish
• Pronunciation: /ze.tsɯ.me.tsɯ/

Meaning

Extinction; annihilation. The complete disappearance of a species or the total destruction of something.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (絶滅する). Primarily intransitive — species or things become extinct. Common patterns include 絶滅危惧種 (endangered species), 絶滅する (to become extinct), and 絶滅に追いやる (to drive to extinction). Used in environmental science, biology, and metaphorically for cultural phenomena (この伝統は絶滅しかけている). A powerful word with finality.

Examples

1. 恐竜は約六千五百万年前に絶滅した。 Dinosaurs went extinct about sixty-five million years ago.
2. この動物は絶滅危惧種に指定されている。 This animal has been designated as an endangered species.
3. 伝統的な技術が絶滅しないように守りたい。 I want to protect traditional skills so they don't go extinct.

Usage Guide

Context: environment, biology, history

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 絶 (zetsu, sever/extinct) and 滅 (metsu, destroy/perish). Together, 'severed and destroyed' — complete annihilation with nothing remaining.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal