wither

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 萎 is read しぼむ, has 11 strokes, and relates to wilting or shrinking.
• Basic usage: 萎む is read しぼむ, and 萎れる is read しおれる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 萎む and 萎れる
  • 萎む means wilt or deflate.
  • 水をやらないと、この花はすぐに萎んでしまいます。 means “This flower will quickly wilt if it is not watered.”
  • 萎れる means to wilt or to lose heart.
  • 水を忘れて鉢植えの花が萎れた。 means “I forgot to water the plant, and its flowers wilted.”