Translation guide
An epitaph is a short text honoring a deceased person, typically inscribed on a tombstone or monument. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms for the inscription itself, as well as related words for tombstone inscriptions and memorial poetry.
墓碑銘
epitaph (on a tombstone)
The most common meaning: a short text inscribed on a gravestone in memory of the deceased.
The standard term for an epitaph; literally 'tombstone inscription'. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
彼の墓碑銘には「愛する家族に囲まれて」と刻まれている。
His epitaph reads, 'Surrounded by loving family.'
Loanword from English, used in literary or Western cultural contexts. Less common than 墓碑銘.
その詩は彼のエピタフとして選ばれた。
That poem was chosen as his epitaph.
A broader sense: a short composition in memory of the dead, not necessarily on a tombstone.
Refers to an inscription on a stone monument, including epitaphs. More general than 墓碑銘.
その碑文は故人の功績を称えている。
The epitaph praises the deceased's achievements.
A memorial text or eulogy, not necessarily inscribed. Can be used for epitaph-like writings.
彼女は祖母のために心のこもった追悼文を書いた。
She wrote a heartfelt epitaph for her grandmother.
A traditional poem written near the time of one's own death, often functioning as an epitaph.
A farewell poem composed just before death, often inscribed on a memorial. Culturally specific to Japan.
彼の辞世の句は墓碑に刻まれた。
His death poem was inscribed on his tombstone as an epitaph.
Specifically the poem itself. Often used when referring to the content of the epitaph.
辞世の句として有名な「露と落ち露と消えにし我が身かな」がある。
A famous death poem used as an epitaph is 'Like dew I fall, like dew I vanish.'
墓碑銘 specifically refers to an inscription on a gravestone. For a memorial text not on a stone, use 追悼文 or 碑文 depending on context.