黙示録
Mokushiroku[mo̞kɯ̟̊ɕiɾo̞kɯ̟]
The English phrase 'apocalypse' is translated into Japanese as 黙示録 (Mokushiroku).
The term 黙示録 is borrowed from the Biblical concept of the Apocalypse or the Book of Revelation.
Meaning: end of the world (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the characters 黙 (silence/conceal), 示 (show/indicate) and 録 (record), literally meaning 'a record of showing what was hidden'.
How do you pronounce it?
Mokushiroku
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the concept of the end of the world is often linked to 末法時代 (mappō jidai), a Buddhist term referring to a degenerate age where the teachings of Buddha are forgotten.
- Because 黙示録 is so heavily tied to Christian theology, using it in a non-religious conversation can make your speech sound unusually dramatic or 'theatrical'.
- In Japanese pop culture, specifically anime and manga, the term 黙示録 is often used to name powerful artifacts or dark magical spells rather than just describing a historical event.
Examples in context
- 教授たちは授業でしばしば黙示録の概念について議論します。Professors often discuss the concept of the apocalypse during lectures.
- 研究者たちは黙示録に関連する古いテキストを分析しました。The team of researchers analyzed ancient texts related to the apocalypse.
- 多くの映画や小説が大災厄の概念を探求しています。Many movies and novels explore the concept of the apocalypse.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are discussing a science fiction novel.
- 蓮 Renこの本の結末は、人類の黙示録だったよ。Kono hon no ketsumatsu wa, jinrui no mokushiroku datta yo.The ending of this book was the apocalypse of humanity.
- 結衣 Yuiえっ、本当にみんないなくなっちゃったの？E, hontō ni minna inakunacchatta no?What, did everyone really disappear?
- 蓮 Renうん、絶望的な終わり方だった。Un, zetsubōteki na owarikata datta.Yeah, it was a desperate ending.
- 結衣 Yuiそれはちょっと怖すぎるね。Sore wa chotto kowasugiru ne.That's a bit too scary.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 黙示録, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
