Translation guide
The concept of the realm of the dead in Japanese is deeply tied to native Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. The most common term is あの世 (ano yo), literally 'that world', used in everyday conversation. More specific terms exist for Buddhist hells, the land of the dead in mythology, and literary expressions.
The most common, everyday way to refer to the realm of the dead, often in contrast to 'this world'.
Literally 'that world'. The standard, neutral term for the afterlife or realm of the dead. Used in everyday speech and writing.
He departed for the other world.
We'll meet in the next world.
The land of the dead in Japanese mythology (Shinto). Often appears in classical literature and fantasy. Can be used in modern contexts for a mythological or archaic feel.
Izanami dwells in the land of Yomi.
A more formal, literary term for the underworld or realm of the dead, often used in Buddhist contexts or fantasy settings.
king of the underworld
Buddhist term for the world of the dead, often used in the phrase 冥土の土産 (a souvenir for the afterlife, i.e., a good memory before dying). Somewhat old-fashioned.
I want to see Mt. Fuji as a memory to take to the afterlife.
When referring to a place of suffering after death, often in a Buddhist context.
The standard word for hell, both in religious and figurative senses. Refers to a realm of torment in Buddhist cosmology.
If you do bad things, you'll fall into hell.
Originally the Sanskrit 'naraka', meaning hell. Often used figuratively for an inescapable abyss or the depths of despair. Common in drama and literature.
Specifically referring to the land of the dead in Japanese myth, often associated with Izanami and Izanagi.
あの世 is the everyday word for the afterlife, used in casual conversation. 黄泉 is specifically the mythological Shinto underworld, and 冥界 is a more formal, literary term often used in Buddhist or fantasy contexts. Use あの世 unless you need a specific nuance.
English phrases like 'realm of the dead' can sound overly dramatic or unnatural if translated word-for-word into Japanese. Stick to the established terms above depending on context.
In Japanese myth, the realm of the dead is called Yomi.
Uses 死者の国 (land of the dead) as a descriptive phrase, then names Yomi.
He was plunged into the abyss of despair.
Susanoo was banished to the land of the dead.