Translation guide
The act or ceremony of placing a dead body in the ground or in a tomb. In Japanese, the most common word is 埋葬 (maisō), but there are also specific terms for burial methods, ceremonies, and related concepts.
To refer to the act of burying a dead body in the ground or a tomb.
The standard word for burial, used in both formal and everyday contexts. Can refer to the act or the ceremony.
彼の埋葬は故郷で行われた。
His burial took place in his hometown.
埋葬許可証が必要です。
A burial permit is required.
Specifically refers to burial in the ground (earth burial), as opposed to cremation. Often used when contrasting with 火葬 (cremation).
日本では火葬が一般的で、土葬は珍しい。
In Japan, cremation is common, and earth burial is rare.
To refer to the ceremony or ritual of burying someone.
General term for funeral ceremony, which may include burial or cremation. Often used in formal contexts.
葬儀は明日行われます。
The funeral will be held tomorrow.
More casual term for funeral, commonly used in everyday conversation.
A farewell ceremony, often part of the funeral, specifically for saying goodbye to the deceased before burial or cremation.
To refer to the act of burying a body at sea.
Burial at sea, literally 'water burial'. Used in formal or technical contexts.
彼の遺志により水葬が行われた。
A burial at sea was carried out according to his will.
To refer to a burial mound or ancient tomb.
Ancient burial mound, especially from the Kofun period in Japan. Often used in historical contexts.
この地域には多くの古墳がある。
There are many ancient burial mounds in this area.
General word for grave or tomb. Can refer to the burial site itself.
To refer to objects buried with the deceased.
Burial goods, items placed in a tomb or grave. Used in archaeology and history.
古墳から多くの副葬品が出土した。
Many burial goods were excavated from the ancient tomb.
埋葬 (maisō) is the general term for burial and can include any method of placing a body in the ground or a tomb. 土葬 (dosō) specifically means earth burial, i.e., burying in the ground without cremation. In modern Japan, cremation (火葬, kasō) is the norm, so 土葬 is rarely used except in historical or comparative contexts.
In Japan, cremation is practiced in over 99% of cases due to legal, religious, and practical reasons. Therefore, when discussing modern funerals, 葬儀 (funeral) or 火葬 (cremation) are more common than 埋葬. However, 埋葬 is still used in legal and formal contexts, and for historical or international discussions.
友達の葬式に参列した。
I attended my friend's funeral.
告別式は午後2時からです。
The farewell ceremony is from 2 p.m.
I visited my ancestors' graves.