Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a dead person depends heavily on context, relationship, and politeness. The most common and neutral term is 故人 (kojin), used in formal or respectful settings. In casual conversation, 亡くなった人 (nakunatta hito) is natural. Avoid literal translations like 死んだ人 (shinda hito), which can sound blunt or disrespectful.
To refer to a deceased person in a neutral, respectful, or formal way, such as in obituaries, news, or when speaking about someone who has passed away.
The standard, respectful term for a deceased person. Used in formal contexts, obituaries, and when speaking politely about the dead.
I pray for the soul of the deceased.
A polite and common way to say 'the person who passed away'. 方 (kata) is the respectful form of 'person'.
I express my condolences to the family of the deceased.
A neutral, everyday way to say 'the person who died'. Less formal than 亡くなった方, but still respectful.
A neighbor passed away yesterday.
Means 'the dead' or 'deceased person', often used in news reports, statistics, or formal contexts. Can sound impersonal.
There are three dead in the accident.
To refer to a dead person in casual conversation, often among friends or in informal settings. Can be blunt if not careful.
Literally 'dead person'. Direct and can sound harsh or insensitive. Use only in very casual, matter-of-fact contexts.
Can be perceived as disrespectful; avoid in polite conversation.
I heard the person who died in that accident was young.
A blunt term for a dead person or corpse. Often used in set phrases or dramatic contexts. Not for everyday polite use.
To refer to a dead person in a spiritual, ancestral, or memorial context.
While 死んだ人 (shinda hito) is grammatically correct, it can sound cold or disrespectful. Use 亡くなった方 (nakunatta kata) or 故人 (kojin) when speaking politely or about someone else's family member.
故人 (kojin) is more formal and often used in written contexts like obituaries. 亡くなった方 (nakunatta kata) is polite but more common in spoken Japanese. Both are respectful.
Dead men tell no tales. (proverb)
He says he can see the spirits of the dead.