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.
祖父が昨晩亡くなりました。
My grandfather passed away last night.
彼女は若くして亡くなった。
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.
社長が逝去されました。
The company president passed away.
Literally 'to depart this world'. A somewhat formal and literary euphemism.
父は昨年他界しました。
My father passed away last year.
Literally 'to sleep eternally'. Used in very formal or poetic contexts, such as on gravestones or in eulogies.
彼は安らかに永眠しました。
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.
彼は事故で死んだ。
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.
Literally 'to pass away as if sleeping'. A common, gentle expression for a peaceful death.
祖母は眠るように亡くなりました。
My grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep.
To die a peaceful, natural death at an advanced age. Implies a good, full life.
祖父は百歳で大往生を遂げた。
My grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 100.
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.
彼は亡くなりました。
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.
祖父は安らかに亡くなりました。
My grandfather passed away peacefully.
彼女は長い闘病の末、亡くなりました。
She passed away after a long illness.
あいつ、くたばっちまえ。
Drop dead! (lit. 'Die, you!')