絶滅
zetsumetsu[d͡ze̞t͡sɨme̞t͡sɨ]
The English phrase "extinction" is expressed in Japanese as 絶滅 (zetsumetsu).
絶滅 is a formal term used to describe the complete disappearance or annihilation of a species. To express that a species is endangered or on the brink of extinction, the standard phrase is 絶滅の危機に瀕している.
Meaning: the action of making or becoming extinct (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 絶 (extinguish/sever) and 滅 (destroy/perish).
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the noun 絶滅 as a verb meaning "to become extinct", you can add the verb する to it to form 絶滅する.
How do you pronounce it?
zetsumetsu
Did you know?
- The kanji 滅 in 絶滅 is also used in the word 滅多にない, which means 'rarely' or 'seldom'. This creates a linguistic link between the idea of 'perishing' and the idea of something being 'rare'.
- While 絶滅 refers to biological extinction, Japanese uses a different word 絶版 for 'out of print' books. Both share the kanji 絶 meaning 'to sever', but using 絶滅 for a book would imply the physical destruction of every copy on Earth.
- The word 絶滅 is frequently used in Japanese video games and anime to describe 'extinction level' events or the total erasure of a civilization.
Examples in context
- 絶滅は進化の一部である。Extinction is part of evolution.This sentence shows how to describe extinction as a part of evolution using 絶滅.Tatoeba #141928 by small_snow, translation #272642 by Luornu
- シベリアトラは絶滅の危機に瀕している。The Siberian tiger is on the verge of extinction.This sentence uses 絶滅 to describe the Siberian tiger being on the verge of extinction.Tatoeba #216083 by KK_kaku_, translation #53384 by AlanF_US
- この鳥は今、絶滅の危機に瀕しています。This bird is now in danger of extinction.This sentence uses 絶滅 to state that a bird is currently in danger of extinction.Tatoeba #11831606 by small_snow, translation #10287983 by ddnktr
- 化石記録によると、この恐竜種は約6500万年前に絶滅したそうです。According to fossil records, this species of dinosaur is said to have become extinct around 65 million years ago.
- 多くの生物が開発と環境破壊によって絶えず消滅の危機に瀕しています。Many organisms are constantly on the brink of extinction due to development and environmental destruction.
- パンダが絶えたら、それは自然界の愛らしさの終焉だと思わない？Don't you think the extinction of pandas would be the end of natural cuteness?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- 陽葵 Himariこの種は絶滅してしまったんだね。Kono shu wa zetsumetsu shite shimatta nda ne.This species has become extinct, hasn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaすごく悲しいことだよ。Sugoku kanashii koto da yo.It is a very sad thing.
- 陽葵 Himari環境を守らないとダメだね。Kankyou o mamoranai to dame da ne.We have to protect the environment.
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね、陽葵。Sou da ne, Himari.You're right, Himari.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “extinction” translations and entries 絶滅, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
