Translation guide
The English word 'dead' can describe a state of no longer being alive, a lack of sensation, a non-functioning device, or a dull/inactive situation. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
To say that a person, animal, or plant has died or is in the state of death.
The most common and neutral way to say 'is dead' for people, animals, and sometimes plants. Uses the ている form of 死ぬ (to die) to indicate a resulting state.
He is already dead.
The cat was dead.
A polite and euphemistic verb meaning 'to pass away'. Used for people, especially in formal or respectful contexts. Often used in the past tense 亡くなった to describe someone who has died.
My grandfather passed away last year.
A formal, clinical term for 'to die' or 'death'. Used in news reports, official documents, and medical contexts.
Three people died in the accident.
Specifically for plants: 'to wither' or 'to die'. Use this for flowers, trees, etc., not for people or animals.
I didn't water it, so the flower died.
To describe a device, battery, or machine that has stopped working or has no power.
Means 'is broken' and is the most natural way to say a machine or device is dead/not working. Focuses on the broken state.
The TV is dead.
My smartphone died (broke).
Literally 'the battery runs out'. Used when a device stops working because the battery is dead. Often used in past tense 切れた.
The battery is dead.
Means 'won't turn on'. A practical way to say a device is dead because it doesn't power up.
My computer is dead (won't turn on).
To say a body part has lost feeling, is numb, or feels dead.
The standard verb for 'to become numb' or 'to have pins and needles'. Often used in ている form to describe the current state.
My leg is dead (asleep/numb).
My legs went dead from sitting in seiza.
Literally 'there is no sensation'. A more clinical or descriptive way to say a body part feels dead.
My finger feels dead (no sensation).
To describe a place, event, or atmosphere that is very quiet, boring, or lacking liveliness.
Means 'too quiet'. Often used to imply a place is dead because there's no activity or people.
This shop is dead, isn't it?
Literally 'has no liveliness'. A direct way to say a place or event is dead/dull.
The party was dead.
Describes a place as deserted or very quiet, often used for businesses or streets with few customers or people.
The shopping street was dead.
To say you are so tired you feel dead, often used in casual English.
Means 'completely exhausted'. A strong way to say you're dead tired.
I'm dead tired.
An onomatopoeic word meaning 'exhausted' or 'worn out'. Very common in casual speech.
Similar to へとへと, meaning 'exhausted' or 'beat'. Often used after physical activity.
Do not use 死ぬ (しぬ) in its dictionary form to mean 'is dead'. 死ぬ means 'to die' (an action), not the state of being dead. Use 死んでいる for the state.
He is dead.
死んでいる is the neutral, everyday term for 'is dead'. 亡くなる is a polite euphemism for 'pass away', used mainly for people. 死亡する is formal and used in news or official contexts. Choose based on the situation and level of politeness required.
リモコンの電池が切れている。
The remote's batteries are dead.
今日はへとへとだ。
I'm dead today (exhausted).
走った後でくたくただ。
I'm dead after running.