Translation guide
A title or name given to a person after death, common in East Asian traditions. In Japanese, this is primarily expressed through specific terms for posthumous names used in Buddhism, Shinto, or for emperors.
The name given to a deceased person in Japanese Buddhism, inscribed on the grave marker and used in memorial rites.
The standard term for a Buddhist posthumous name. It is given by a priest and used in funerals and memorial services.
My father's posthumous Buddhist name is 'Shaku ○○'.
Used in some Buddhist sects (e.g., Jōdo Shinshū) instead of 戒名. It refers to a Dharma name given after death.
In Jōdo Shinshū, they use hōmyō instead of kaimyō.
The title given to a deceased emperor, often reflecting their reign or virtues.
The formal posthumous title for an emperor. It is used in historical and official contexts.
The posthumous title of Emperor Meiji is 'Emperor Meiji'.
Another term for posthumous imperial title, sometimes used interchangeably with 諡号, though historically there are nuances.
A name given to a deceased person in Shinto tradition, often for deified spirits.
A posthumous name used in Shinto for deified individuals, such as historical figures or kami.
He was given a Shinto posthumous name after death.
A broader term for a name given after death, not limited to religious contexts.
An archaic or literary term for a posthumous name, often used in historical contexts.
This warrior's posthumous name is 'Buretsu'.
戒名 (kaimyō) is the general term for a Buddhist posthumous name, but in Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, 法名 (hōmyō) is preferred. The difference is sectarian; using the wrong term may be insensitive.
Kaimyō is often used in Zen sects.
Posthumous names are deeply religious and cultural. Avoid casual use or direct translation without understanding the context. In modern secular contexts, Japanese people may simply refer to the deceased by their living name with 故 (ko) prefix.
A tsuigō is a name given after death.