Translation and Meaning of: 失脚 - shikyaku

The Japanese word 失脚[しっきゃく] carries an intense and specific meaning, often associated with drastic falls in the professional or social sphere. If you are looking to understand its real use, translation, or cultural context, this article explores everything from the composition of the kanji to the nuances that differentiate it from similar . Here at Suki Nihongo, we prioritize clear explanations based on reliable sources, so get ready to uncover how the Japanese use this expression in their daily lives.

Meaning and use of 失脚

失脚 [しっきゃく] literally means "to lose one’s footing," but its practical interpretation goes beyond that: it refers to the abrupt loss of position, influence, or status, especially in political, corporate, or social contexts. Unlike simple failures, it implies a public fall that is often irreversible. A politician involved in scandals, for example, may 失脚する (shikkaku suru) — fall from grace in the eyes of public opinion.

The term is more common in formal records or journalistic narratives, and its everyday use is rare. This is because it carries a dramatic weight, almost literary. While words like 失敗 (shippai, "failure") describe common mistakes, 失脚 evokes serious and visible consequences, such as forced resignations or exclusion from circles of power.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The etymology of 失脚 reveals its visual strength: 失 (shitsu) means "loss" or "error," while 脚 (kyaku) represents "foot" or "base." Together, they create the metaphorical image of someone slipping off the pedestal that upheld their authority. Dictionaries like 漢字源 (Kanjigen) confirm that this combination originated in the Edo period, initially to describe the literal fall of knights, but later migrated to the figurative sense.

It's interesting to note that 脚 also appears in words like 脚光 (kyakkou, "spotlights"), reinforcing the idea of visibility. It is no coincidence that 失脚 almost always involves an audience — be it the media, colleagues, or society. This duality between "loss" and "exposure" is crucial to understanding why the term does not apply to private failures.

Cultural context and frequency

In Japan, where reputation is valued almost like a tangible asset, 失脚 is feared as much as its legal consequences. Companies like Toshiba or political figures like former Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei have become real-life examples of this concept. The Japanese media uses the term sparingly, precisely to avoid trivializing its impact.

Students of Japanese should note that 失脚 is not interchangeable with 解雇 (kaiko, "dismissal"). While the latter is neutral and bureaucratic, the former implies social judgment. A tip for memorization? Associate the kanjis with a falling domino — one piece knocks over another, symbolizing the typical cascading effect of a real 失脚.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 転落 (tenraku) - Fall (from height)
• 落馬 (okuba) - Horse fall
• 落馬事故 (okubajiko) - Horse fall accident
• 落下 (rakka) - Fall (of objects)
• 転倒 (tentou) - Fall (person)
• 転覆 (tenpuku) - Turn (ships)
• 転落事故 (tenrakujiko) - Fall accident (from height)
• 転倒事故 (tentoujiko) - Fall accident (person)
• 倒壊 (toukai) - Collapse (of structures)
• 崩壊 (houkai) - Collapse (general)
• 崩れる (kuzureru) - Crumbling (in process)
• 崩れ落ちる (kuzureochiru) - Collapse (falling)
• 崩れること (kuzureru koto) - The action of collapsing
• 崩壊する (houkai suru) - Collapse (in action)
• 崩れた (kuzureta) - Crumpled (result)
• 落ちる (ochiru) - Fall (general)
• 落ちること (ochiru koto) - The act of falling
• 落下する (rakka suru) - Fall (of objects, in action)
• 落下事故 (rakkajiko) - Falling object accident
• 落下すること (rakka suru koto) - The action of falling (of objects)
• 落下した (rakka shita) - Fallen (result of falling objects)
• 落ちた (ochita) - Fallen (result of fall)
• 落ち込む (ochikomu) - Descend (in moral or emotional fit)
• 落ち込んだ (ochikonda) - Devastated (emotionally)
• 落ち込むこと (ochikomu koto) - The action of feeling down
• 落ち込んでいる (ochikonde iru) - Feeling down