Translation guide
In Japanese culture, death anniversaries are important memorial observances. The most common term is 命日 (めいにち), but specific Buddhist terms exist for different years after death.
The yearly recurrence of the date of someone's death, observed by family.
The standard, neutral term for a death anniversary. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
Today is the anniversary of my father's death.
I will visit the grave on the death anniversary.
A more formal or literary term for death anniversary, often used in written contexts or Buddhist ceremonies.
We held a memorial service on the death anniversary.
Particular years after death that have special names in Buddhist tradition.
In Buddhist tradition, the year of death is counted as the first year, so 一周忌 is the first anniversary, 三回忌 is the second anniversary, etc. This can be confusing for learners.
命日 is the common, everyday word. 忌日 is more formal and often used in religious or written contexts. For most situations, 命日 is appropriate.
三回忌の法要をします。
We will hold a memorial service for the second anniversary.
七回忌を迎えました。
We have reached the sixth anniversary of his death.