Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of an imperial tomb is expressed through specific terms that distinguish between ancient burial mounds and later mausolea, as well as the broader category of imperial mausolea managed by the Imperial Household Agency.
Refers to the large keyhole-shaped or other ancient tombs of early emperors and elites, typically from the Kofun period (3rd–7th centuries).
General term for ancient burial mounds, including imperial ones. Often used in archaeological and historical contexts.
The tomb of Emperor Nintoku is the largest kofun in Japan.
Specifically denotes an imperial tomb, often used for ancient emperors. Can be part of a proper name.
Refers to the tomb or mausoleum of an emperor, often used for more recent emperors or as a general term.
Refers to the system or collection of imperial tombs, often in administrative or historical discussions.
古墳 (kofun) is a broad archaeological term for ancient burial mounds, not exclusively imperial. 御陵 (goryō) is an honorific term specifically for imperial tombs, often used for named emperors. 陵墓 (ryōbo) is a formal, administrative term for imperial mausolea, often used by the Imperial Household Agency.
When referring to a specific ancient imperial tomb, the suffix 陵 (りょう) is often added to the emperor's name, e.g., 仁徳天皇陵 (Nintoku-tennō-ryō). The reading みささぎ is an older, more literary reading for 陵.
応神天皇陵は大阪府にあります。
The imperial tomb of Emperor Ōjin is in Osaka Prefecture.
The Imperial Household Agency manages the imperial mausolea.
There are many imperial tombs in this area.