1.
end of the century, fin de siecle
The closing period of a century, especially associated with cultural decadence, anxiety, or upheaval. Often evokes a mood of decline or apocalyptic atmosphere.
世紀末の雰囲気がある。
It has a fin de siecle atmosphere.
20世紀末にインターネットが普及した。
The internet became widespread at the end of the 20th century.
世紀末には退廃的な芸術が流行し、社会には不安が漂っていた。
Decadent art was in vogue at the end of the century, and anxiety pervaded society.
USAGE:
Beyond its literal meaning, 世紀末 often carries connotations of chaos, decadence, or an apocalyptic mood. In Japanese pop culture, it is strongly associated with the manga/anime Fist of the North Star (北斗の拳), whose post-apocalyptic setting is described as 世紀末.
WORD FORMATION:
世紀 (century) + 末 (end)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 世紀末の雰囲気: fin de siecle atmosphere
- 世紀末的: apocalyptic, decadent
- 世紀末思想: end-of-century thought