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.
Referring to the physical bed or place where a person is dying or has died.
Literally 'bed of one's final moments'. A common and natural way to say 'deathbed' in Japanese.
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.
A confession, statement, or wish made just before dying.
Literally 'words of one's final moments'. The standard way to say 'deathbed words'.
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).
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.
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.
On his deathbed, he called his wife's name.
Means 'in one's final stage'. Often used in medical or formal contexts.
The patient reconciled with his family on his deathbed.
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.
In his deathbed will, he donated his estate.