栄枯盛衰(えいこせいすい)

えいこせいすい
noun
ups and downs of life; rise and fall
businessidiom
1. the rise and fall; the vicissitudes of life
The natural cycle of prosperity and decline that affects all people, organizations, and nations throughout history.
栄枯盛衰(えいこせいすい)は世(よ)の常(つね)だ。
Rise and fall are the way of the world.
この城(しろ)は栄枯盛衰(えいこせいすい)の歴史(れきし)を見(み)てきた。
This castle has witnessed the rise and fall of history.
企業(きぎょう)の栄枯盛衰(えいこせいすい)は避(さ)けられない。
The rise and fall of companies is inevitable.

YOJIJUKUGO (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)): This is a four-character compound idiom.

Writing

  • 栄(えい) - prosperity, flourishing
  • 枯(こ) - withering, decline
  • 盛(せい) - thriving, peak
  • 衰(すい) - decline, wane

Structure: The four characters form two contrasting pairs:

  • 栄(えい)/枯(こ) (flourishing vs. withering)
  • 盛(せい)/衰(すい) (thriving vs. declining)

Usage

  • Historical narratives about dynasties or civilizations
  • Business discussions about industry cycles
  • Philosophical reflections on life's impermanence
  • Buddhist concept of 諸行無常(しょぎょうむじょう) (impermanence)

Similar words

Related Words

Related: 浮沈(ふちん) (rise and fall)
Synonym: 盛者必衰(じょうしゃひっすい) (the mighty must fall)
Compare: 興亡(こうぼう) (rise and fall of nations)
general
Added 2026.1.19 8:54 · Revised 2026.9.6 21:26
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