Meaning and Usage
"下火" (したび) literally means "burning low" and is used metaphorically to describe something that is declining, waning, or losing momentum. It often refers to trends, public interest, epidemics, or any situation where intensity or activity decreases.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 下火 used in news reports about epidemics or social phenomena, as well as in conversations about trends or popularity that are fading.
Collocations and Patterns
- 下火になる: to decline or subside
- 下火になりつつある: gradually waning
- 関心が下火になる: interest wanes
Register and Nuance
This term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It conveys a sense of reduction without implying judgment.
Learner Tips
Don't confuse 下火 with 完全に終わる (completely ending). 下火 means the intensity is decreasing but not necessarily finished. For example, an epidemic can be 下火 but still ongoing.