Translation guide
The English word 'deceased' is a formal term for someone who has died. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 故人 (kojin), but the appropriate word depends heavily on context, relationship, and politeness level. This guide covers how to refer to the deceased in various situations.
To refer to someone who has passed away, especially in formal or written contexts, or when speaking about someone not personally close.
The standard, neutral-to-formal term for 'the deceased' or 'the late (person)'. Used in obituaries, legal contexts, and polite conversation.
故人のご冥福をお祈りします。
I pray for the repose of the deceased's soul.
故人は生前、教師でした。
The deceased was a teacher in life.
A polite and common way to say 'the person who passed away'. More conversational than 故人, but still respectful.
亡くなった方のご家族に連絡しました。
I contacted the family of the deceased.
A technical/legal term for 'deceased person' or 'fatality'. Used in statistics, reports, or formal announcements. Can sound cold or impersonal.
事故による死亡者は3名でした。
There were three deceased in the accident.
To refer to a deceased relative when speaking to someone outside the family, using humble language.
Prefix meaning 'my late ~'. Attach to the family term (e.g., 父, 母). Humble and respectful.
亡き父は医者でした。
My late father was a doctor.
Prefix meaning 'the late'. Used with names or titles, often in writing. Can be used for one's own or others' deceased, but context matters.
故・田中社長の功績を称えます。
We honor the achievements of the late President Tanaka.
To refer to the deceased relative of someone you are speaking to, using honorific language.
Honorific phrase meaning 'your late ~'. Use with family terms like お父様, お母様.
お亡くなりになったお父様のご冥福をお祈りします。
I pray for the repose of your late father's soul.
Very formal and respectful way to refer to someone's deceased relative. Often used in condolence letters or speeches.
ご逝去されたご主人のご冥福をお祈りいたします。
I pray for the repose of your late husband's soul.
To refer to a deceased person in legal, administrative, or official contexts.
Legal term for 'the deceased' in inheritance contexts. Means 'the person whose estate is being inherited'.
被相続人の遺言書が見つかりました。
The deceased's will has been found.
Used in official reports, statistics, or accident reports. Neutral but impersonal.
To refer to the deceased in a softer, more indirect way, often in conversation.
Literally 'person who went to the other world'. A gentle, somewhat colloquial euphemism.
あの世に行った人たちのことを思い出します。
I remember those who have passed away.
Poetic or literary term for 'the deceased' or 'departed one'. Used in songs, poems, or emotional speech.
亡き人を偲ぶ会
a gathering to remember the deceased
English often uses 'deceased' as an adjective (e.g., 'the deceased man'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use a noun phrase like 亡くなった方 or 故人 rather than trying to directly modify a noun with a single adjective. For example, 'the deceased father' is better expressed as 亡くなったお父さん or 亡き父, not a literal adjective + noun combination.
故人 is more formal and often used in writing, ceremonies, or when referring to someone not personally known. 亡くなった方 is more conversational and can be used in everyday polite speech. When speaking to a bereaved family, 亡くなった方 is safer and warmer than 故人, which might sound distant.
When referring to a deceased person who was close, it's common and respectful to use their name + さん, just as in life. For example, 田中さんは去年亡くなりました (Mr./Ms. Tanaka passed away last year). This avoids the need for a specific 'deceased' term and feels natural.
お亡くなりになったお母様のことを伺い、心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。
I'm sorry to hear about your deceased mother.
Respectful condolence to someone else.
Identification of the deceased is underway.