Translation guide
The English phrase 'pass away' is a euphemism for 'die'. In Japanese, there are many ways to express this, ranging from polite and formal to casual. The most common and neutral equivalent is 亡くなる (nakunaru).
Expressing that someone has died in a respectful, gentle way, suitable for most situations.
The most common and neutral euphemism for 'die'. Used for people. It is polite and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
My grandfather passed away last night.
She passed away at a young age.
A formal, respectful term often used in obituaries or official announcements. It is more formal than 亡くなる.
The company president passed away.
Literally 'to depart this world'. A somewhat formal and literary euphemism.
My father passed away last year.
Literally 'to sleep eternally'. Used in very formal or poetic contexts, such as on gravestones or in eulogies.
He passed away peacefully.
Expressing death in a more direct or casual way, often among close friends or in informal settings. Not euphemistic.
The basic verb 'to die'. It is direct and can be considered blunt or insensitive in polite conversation. Use with caution.
Can sound harsh or insensitive. Avoid using about someone's family member unless you are very close.
He died in an accident.
A vulgar, slang term for 'die', similar to 'kick the bucket' or 'croak'. Used in rough speech or to express anger.
Very rude. Do not use in polite company.
Specifically describing a peaceful death, often in old age or without suffering.
While 'pass away' is a euphemism in English, directly translating it as 過ぎ去る (sugisaru) or 通る (tōru) is incorrect. Always use a dedicated verb like 亡くなる for people.
He passed away.
亡くなる is the polite, standard way to say someone has died. 死ぬ is direct and can be rude. Use 亡くなる when speaking about someone's family member or in any formal situation. 死ぬ is acceptable among close friends or when referring to animals or inanimate objects metaphorically.
My grandfather passed away peacefully.
She passed away after a long illness.
あいつ、くたばっちまえ。
Drop dead! (lit. 'Die, you!')
My grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 100.