Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a deceased person requires sensitivity to context, relationship, and formality. The most common and neutral term is 故人 (kojin), but other expressions are used in legal, religious, or intimate settings.
To refer to a deceased person in a neutral, respectful way, without specifying relationship or context.
The most common and neutral term for a deceased person. Used in obituaries, memorials, and general conversation.
We will respect the wishes of the deceased.
The deceased was a teacher in life.
A more descriptive and slightly softer phrase, literally 'the person who passed away'. Common in everyday speech.
I contacted the family of the deceased person.
To refer to a deceased person in legal documents, police reports, or formal announcements.
To refer to a deceased person in Buddhist or spiritual contexts, often implying the soul or spirit.
Buddhist term for the deceased, often implying a spirit or soul. Can also refer to the dead in a collective sense.
We will hold a memorial service for the deceased.
Also used in religious contexts, especially in memorial services and when referring to the deceased with respect.
To refer to a deceased family member or close person with emotional nuance.
Prefix meaning 'late' or 'deceased', attached to a relationship term. E.g., 亡き父 (late father). Poetic and emotional.
I remember my late mother.
Prefix meaning 'the late', used with names or titles. More formal than 亡き. E.g., 故田中さん (the late Mr. Tanaka).
We honor the achievements of the late Professor Yamada.
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers often avoid the abstract term 'deceased person' and instead use specific relational terms like 亡くなったお父さん (father who passed away) or simply the person's name with an honorific if the context is clear. Using 故人 in casual chat may sound overly formal or distant.
故人 is the standard, respectful term suitable for most written and formal spoken contexts. 亡くなった人 is more descriptive and slightly softer, often used when explaining to someone unfamiliar with the situation. In very casual settings, 死んだ人 (dead person) is blunt and generally avoided out of respect.
We will divide the deceased's estate.
I pray for the repose of the deceased's soul.