捨てられた
suterareta
The English word abandoned is translated into Japanese as 捨てられた (suterareta).
捨てられた is used to describe something that has been forsaken, deserted or is no longer maintained. This applies to both physical objects, such as an abandoned house and living beings, such as an abandoned child or pet. If you are specifically referring to an abandoned building or ruins, the Japanese word is 廃墟.
Meaning: no longer maintained, forsaken, deserted (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 捨てられた is the past tense of the passive voice, which is why it is used to describe something that has already been abandoned.
How do you pronounce it?
suterareta
Did you know?
- The word 捨てられた comes from the verb 捨てる, which is also used in the phrase 捨て身 to describe a desperate, all-or-nothing action where one 'throws away' their own body.
- In Japanese pop culture, the concept of the 'abandoned' often ties into 物哀れ (mono no aware), a feeling of bittersweetness regarding the impermanence of all things.
- Japan has a specific cultural fascination with 廃墟 (ruins), leading to a popular hobby called 廃墟探索 or 'haikyo exploration' where people visit abandoned hospitals and theme parks.
Examples in context
- その市には多くの廃墟があります。There are many abandoned buildings in that city.
- 彼は土地の所有権を放棄しました。He abandoned the ownership rights to the land.
- 彼は希望を切り捨てた。He abandoned hope.
- 彼は彼女を捨てた。He abandoned her.
- 彼は友達を見捨てた。He abandoned his friends.
- 捨てられた猫を見つけました。Suterareta neko o mitsukemashita.I found an abandoned cat.
- 捨てられたおもちゃが道にありました。Suterareta omocha ga michi ni arimashita.There were abandoned toys on the street.
Example conversation
Two people are walking through an old, overgrown neighborhood.
- 陽葵 Himariあそこに捨てられた家があるね。Asoko ni suterareta ie ga aru ne.There is an abandoned house over there.
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。少し怖いね。Hontou da. Sukoshi kowai ne.You're right. It's a little scary.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くん、急いで帰ろう。Kenta-kun, isoide kaerou.Kenta, let's hurry home.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね、行こう。Sou da ne, ikou.Yeah, let's go.
