Translation guide
The bed or place where someone is dying, or the final moments of life. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific nouns and set phrases, often with a solemn or literary tone.
He was attended by his family on his deathbed.
A more direct compound meaning 'deathbed'. Slightly less common but still natural.
My grandmother told old stories on her deathbed.
Literally 'bed of the final stage'. Used in literary or formal contexts.
The king named his successor on his deathbed.
Referring to the time or state just before dying, often used in phrases about last words or actions.
Means 'at the time of one's final moments'. Commonly used for deathbed confessions or last words.
He revealed a secret on his deathbed.
Literally 'at the moment of death'. More direct and slightly less formal than 臨終の際に.
Means 'in one's final stage'. Often used in medical or formal contexts.
A confession, statement, or wish made just before dying.
Literally 'words of one's final moments'. The standard way to say 'deathbed words'.
His deathbed words were gratitude to his family.
Means 'will' or 'testament'. Often used for formal last wishes, not necessarily spoken on the deathbed but closely related.
The English word 'deathbed' is often used metaphorically (e.g., 'deathbed conversion'). In Japanese, the literal expressions above are not used metaphorically. For metaphorical uses, rephrase with context-appropriate terms like 死の間際 (しのまぎわ) or 最期 (さいご).
On his deathbed, he called his wife's name.
The patient reconciled with his family on his deathbed.
彼は遺言で財産を寄付した。
In his deathbed will, he donated his estate.