Translation guide
The English word "grave" has two main meanings: a burial place and a serious or solemn quality. This guide covers both, with Japanese equivalents for each sense.
A place where a dead body is buried, typically marked by a stone or mound.
The most common and general word for a grave or tomb. Can refer to the physical burial site.
彼は父の墓に花を供えた。
He placed flowers on his father's grave.
Polite form of 墓, often used in everyday conversation.
お墓参りに行ってきます。
I'm going to visit the family grave.
Refers to a graveyard or cemetery as a whole, rather than an individual grave.
その墓地は静かで美しい。
That graveyard is quiet and beautiful.
Literally 'grave hole', used in the idiom 墓穴を掘る (to dig one's own grave).
Describing a situation, expression, or tone that is very serious, solemn, or causing worry.
Used for serious matters, problems, or decisions. Often implies importance and potential consequences.
これは重大な問題だ。
This is a grave problem.
墓 (はか) is a grave or tomb, while 墓場 (はかば) is a graveyard. Use 墓 for an individual burial site.
重大な (じゅうだいな) emphasizes importance and potential impact, while 深刻な (しんこくな) emphasizes severity and depth of a problem. 重大な決定 (grave decision) vs 深刻な問題 (grave problem).
彼は重大な過ちを犯した。
He made a grave mistake.
医者の表情は厳粛だった。
The doctor's expression was grave.
He dug his own grave.
Emphasizes severity or depth of a situation, often with a negative connotation.
状況は深刻だ。
The situation is grave.
Describes a solemn, dignified atmosphere or expression, often in formal ceremonies.
彼は厳粛な表情をしていた。
He had a grave expression.
Conveys a heavy, solemn, or dignified atmosphere, often used for tone or manner.
彼は重々しい口調で話した。
He spoke in a grave tone.