Translation guide
Expresses that something happens or exists after a person has died. Japanese uses noun modifiers, adverbs, and set phrases rather than a single direct translation.
Describe an event, state, or action occurring after a person's death.
A formal/written noun meaning 'after death'. Used with possessive の or as an adverb with に.
彼の死後、家族は引っ越した。
After his death, his family moved away.
A diary discovered after his death.
The most common, neutral spoken expression. Uses the polite verb 亡くなる (to pass away) + 後 (after).
After my father passed away, my mother has been living alone.
Direct 'after dying', using the plain verb 死ぬ. Can sound blunt; use carefully.
Can be too direct or insensitive in polite conversation. Prefer 亡くなった後 in most situations.
After he died, the company went bankrupt.
Formal/literary term for 'after one's death', often used for artists or historical figures. Followed by years or events.
An exhibition was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death.
Describe something awarded, published, or happening after death.
Talk about what will happen after the speaker's or listener's own death.
Refer to existence or state after death in a religious or spiritual sense.
English 'after one's death' often becomes a noun modifier in Japanese. Do not try to translate word-for-word with 後 (あと) alone; use 死後 or a clause like 亡くなった後.
死後 is more formal and written, often used in official documents or news. 亡くなった後 is the natural spoken equivalent and is more personal.
After I pass away, I want the funeral to be held with just family.
We'll meet again in the next world.