Translation guide
The English word 'dying' can refer to the process of death, a strong desire, or a gradual fading. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To describe someone or something that is in the process of dying or near death.
The most direct and common way to say 'is dying' for living things. It emphasizes the ongoing process.
That bird is dying.
Means 'moribund' or 'on the verge of death'. Often used in medical or dramatic contexts. It is a noun-modifying form.
They saved the dying patient.
Literally 'seems like dying'. A colloquial way to describe someone who looks very ill or near death.
He looks like he's dying.
Means 'terminal' as in a terminal illness. Used in medical contexts.
He has terminal cancer.
To express a very strong want or need for something, often hyperbolic.
Attach to the stem of a verb to mean 'dying to do something'. Very common and natural.
I'm dying for a drink of water.
Similar to '〜たくてたまらない' but slightly more casual. Expresses an uncontrollable desire.
I'm dying to see him.
Literally 'want to ~ so much I could die'. A hyperbolic expression for strong desire.
I'm dying to eat.
To describe something that is slowly disappearing, such as a sound, light, or tradition.
Used for lights, sounds, or abstract things that are fading away.
The candle flame is dying.
Means 'is dying out' for customs, traditions, or practices. More formal.
That tradition is dying out.
Specifically for species that are dying out or becoming extinct.
The species is dying out.
Referring to someone's final words or actions before death.
When expressing 'dying to do something', do not use 死ぬ directly unless you want a very dramatic or joking tone. Patterns like 〜たくてたまらない are safer and more natural.
死にかけている is more objective and describes the actual process of dying. 死にそう is subjective and often based on appearance or feeling. Use 死にそう when you guess someone is dying from how they look.
In his dying moments, he smiled.