(しゃよう)

しゃよう
noun
setting sun, decline, waning
formalnatureliterarychange
1. setting sun, declining sun
The sun as it sets in the west, casting long shadows.
The setting sun shone through the window.
The townscape bathed in the setting sun was beautiful.
西(にし)(そら)斜陽(しゃよう)(しず)んでいった。
The setting sun sank into the western sky.
2. decline, waning
A state of declining prosperity, power, or relevance, often used to describe industries, families, or eras.
It's called a declining industry.
It's a novel depicting the decline of a distinguished family.
The former glory has now entered a period of decline.

A literary word evocative of decline. Made famous by Dazai Osamu's novel『斜陽(しゃよう)』(The Setting Sun, 1947), which depicts the decline of an aristocratic family after World War II.

Common collocations

Cultural note

The term 斜陽(しゃよう)(ぞく) was coined after Dazai's novel to describe aristocratic families who lost their status and wealth after the war.

Related words