Translation guide
The ceremony or service held after someone's death. In Japan, funerals are typically Buddhist, though secular and other religious styles exist. The most common general term is 葬式 (そうしき), but 葬儀 (そうぎ) is more formal. The event involves a wake (通夜) and a funeral/cremation ceremony (葬儀・告別式).
The overall event of a funeral, including wake and ceremony.
The most common, everyday word for a funeral. Used in casual and neutral contexts.
昨日、友達の葬式に行った。
I went to a friend's funeral yesterday.
A more formal term, often used in official contexts or when referring to the ceremony itself.
葬儀は午前10時から執り行われます。
The funeral will be held from 10 a.m.
Polite form of 葬式, often used when speaking respectfully about someone else's funeral.
お葬式はいつですか。
When is the funeral?
The gathering held the night before the funeral, where friends and family pay respects.
The wake, typically held in the evening before the funeral. Attendees offer incense and may share memories.
通夜は午後6時からです。
The wake is from 6 p.m.
Polite form of 通夜, commonly used in invitations and announcements.
お通夜に参列しました。
I attended the wake.
The formal ceremony, often followed by cremation.
The farewell ceremony, often part of the funeral service where attendees say their final goodbyes. Sometimes used interchangeably with 葬儀.
告別式で最後のお別れをしました。
We said our final goodbyes at the funeral ceremony.
Also used for the ceremony itself, especially in formal contexts.
Expressing the act of going to or participating in a funeral.
The most natural way to say 'go to a funeral'.
明日、葬式に行かなければならない。
I have to go to a funeral tomorrow.
A formal way to say 'attend a funeral'. Used in written announcements or polite speech.
多くの方が葬儀に参列されました。
Many people attended the funeral.
Common phrases and vocabulary associated with funerals.
Condolence money given to the bereaved family at a funeral.
香典はいくら包めばいいですか。
How much condolence money should I give?
Mourning clothes; typically black formal attire worn to funerals.
A standard expression of condolence: 'May his/her soul rest in peace.' Used in speeches or messages.
心よりご冥福をお祈りします。
I sincerely pray for the repose of his soul.
A formal expression of sympathy: 'I offer my condolences.' Used when speaking to the bereaved.
このたびはご愁傷様です。お悔やみ申し上げます。
I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.
葬式 is the most general and casual term. 葬儀 is formal and often used in official contexts. 告別式 specifically refers to the farewell ceremony, which may be part of the funeral. In everyday conversation, 葬式 is safest.
When attending a Japanese funeral, wear black formal attire (喪服), bring condolence money (香典) in a special envelope, and offer incense (焼香) at the altar. It is customary to bow to the bereaved family and offer brief condolences.
The funeral ceremony was held solemnly.
Wear mourning clothes to the funeral.