Translation guide
A name given to a deceased person in Japanese Buddhist tradition, used on memorial tablets and in rituals. This concept is culturally specific and has no direct English equivalent.
The name given to a deceased person in Japanese Buddhist tradition, inscribed on a memorial tablet (ihai) and used in memorial services.
The standard term for a posthumous Buddhist name. Used in most Buddhist sects in Japan.
祖父の戒名は「釋○○」です。
My grandfather's posthumous Buddhist name is 'Shaku ○○'.
Used primarily in the Jōdo Shinshū sect for a posthumous name. In other contexts, it can refer to a Buddhist name given to a living person upon ordination.
A less common term, sometimes used synonymously with hōmyō, but can also refer to a Buddhist title or name given to a monk.
Posthumous Buddhist names are deeply rooted in Japanese funeral customs. They are typically chosen by a Buddhist priest and inscribed on a memorial tablet (位牌, ihai). The name often reflects virtues or aspirations for the deceased's afterlife. The cost of receiving a kaimyō can vary significantly and has been a subject of social discussion.
There is no natural English equivalent for this concept. In English, it is usually explained rather than translated. Avoid literal translations like 'Buddhist death name' without context.
お坊さんが祖母に戒名をつけました。
The priest gave my grandmother a posthumous Buddhist name.
戒名は位牌に刻まれています。
The posthumous name is inscribed on the memorial tablet.
浄土真宗では戒名のことを法名と言います。
In Jōdo Shinshū, the posthumous Buddhist name is called hōmyō.
Hōgō is a name given to a monk.