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.
He was surrounded by his family at the hour of his death.
Literally 'the verge of death', this refers to the moment just before dying. Slightly more colloquial than 臨終の時.
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.
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.
He realized that the hour of his death was near.
Referring to the predetermined or significant time of death, often with spiritual overtones.
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.
He quietly awaited the hour of his death (and rebirth).