Translation guide
A funeral procession is a group of people and vehicles moving together as part of a funeral ceremony. In Japanese, the most common term is 葬列 (そうれつ), but other expressions exist depending on context, formality, and whether it refers to the people, vehicles, or the act of carrying the coffin.
The group of people walking or moving together during a funeral.
The standard word for a funeral procession, referring to the line of mourners walking behind the coffin or hearse.
葬列が静かに進んでいった。
The funeral procession moved forward quietly.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'line of the funeral', used when 葬列 might be too formal or literary.
葬儀の列が教会から出てきた。
The funeral procession came out of the church.
A traditional term for a funeral procession to the burial site, often used in historical or rural contexts. Literally 'sending off to the fields'.
村人たちは野辺送りに参加した。
The villagers took part in the funeral procession to the grave.
A line of cars driving slowly as part of a funeral.
Specifically refers to the line of cars in a funeral procession. 車列 means 'motorcade' or 'line of cars'.
葬儀の車列がゆっくりと墓地へ向かった。
The funeral motorcade slowly headed to the cemetery.
Literally 'line of hearses', used when the procession consists mainly of hearses or when emphasizing the vehicle carrying the coffin.
霊柩車の列が交差点を通過した。
The line of hearses passed through the intersection.
The specific act of carrying the coffin in a procession, often by pallbearers.
Describes the line of people carrying the coffin. 棺 (ひつぎ) is coffin, 担ぐ (かつぐ) is to carry on shoulders.
棺を担ぐ列が本堂に入っていった。
The procession carrying the coffin entered the main hall.
Historically referred to carrying a palanquin, but in funeral context can mean carrying the coffin in a procession. Very rare and context-specific.
Primarily means 'bridal procession' in modern usage; avoid unless context is clearly historical funeral.
古式にのっとり、輿入れの儀が行われた。
Following ancient customs, the coffin-carrying ceremony was performed.
葬列 (そうれつ) is the standard, somewhat formal term for a funeral procession. 葬儀の列 (そうぎのれつ) is more descriptive and can be used in everyday conversation. Both are acceptable, but 葬列 is more common in written or official contexts.
Do not translate 'funeral procession' word-for-word as 葬式行列 (そうしきぎょうれつ). While understandable, it is not a natural Japanese expression. Use 葬列 or 葬儀の列 instead.