Translation guide
The time when someone dies, often used in solemn, literary, or religious contexts. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with set phrases rather than a direct translation.
Referring to the moment or hour when someone passes away, often in a serious or formal tone.
A common, formal phrase meaning 'the hour of death' or 'one's last moments'. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
彼は臨終の時に家族に囲まれていた。
He was surrounded by his family at the hour of his death.
Referring to the predetermined or significant time of death, often with spiritual overtones.
A direct translation of 'hour of death', used in religious or philosophical discussions. Can sound blunt if used casually.
死の時は誰にもわからない。
No one knows the hour of death.
The English phrase 'hour of death' is often translated literally as 死の時間 (しのじかん), but this sounds unnatural in Japanese. Use the set phrases provided instead.
臨終 (りんじゅう) is more formal and often used in official or respectful contexts, while 死に際 (しにぎわ) is more immediate and can be used in everyday conversation about someone's last moments.
Literally 'the verge of death', this refers to the moment just before dying. Slightly more colloquial than 臨終の時.
死に際に彼は何と言ったのですか。
What did he say at the hour of his death?
Means 'the final moment' or 'the last hour'. Often used in narratives or emotional contexts.
最期の時を迎えるまで、彼は意識を失わなかった。
He did not lose consciousness until the hour of his death.
A poetic or literary expression meaning 'the time when life runs out'. Rare in everyday speech.
命の尽きる時が近いことを悟った。
He realized that the hour of his death was near.
A Buddhist term for the moment of passing away, specifically referring to rebirth in the Pure Land. Highly specialized.
彼は往生の時を静かに待っていた。
He quietly awaited the hour of his death (and rebirth).