Translation guide
Refers to the afterlife, the world after death, or a future existence. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various terms with different religious and cultural nuances, ranging from Buddhist and Shinto ideas to more general notions of heaven or the hereafter.
Expressing the concept of an existence after death in a general sense, without strong religious connotation.
The most common and neutral term for 'the next world' or 'afterlife', used in both religious and secular contexts.
He believes in the next world.
Literally 'that world', a very common and slightly more colloquial term for the afterlife, often used in everyday speech.
My grandmother departed for the next world.
A more formal or literary term for the afterlife, often used in Buddhist contexts.
I pray for peace in the next world.
Referring specifically to a heavenly realm, often in a Christian or Western cultural context.
The standard word for 'heaven' in Christian and general contexts. It can also be used metaphorically for a blissful place.
He went to heaven.
Originally a Buddhist term for the Pure Land (paradise of Amida Buddha), but often used colloquially to mean 'paradise' or a state of bliss.
Specifically referring to the Buddhist concept of the Pure Land, the realm of Amida Buddha where believers aspire to be reborn.
Emphasizing the idea of being reborn into another life, often in a cycle of reincarnation.
Specifically means 'next life' or 'future existence', often used in Buddhist discussions of rebirth.
I want to be happy in the next life.
A Buddhist term for the next life or future existence, often used in the context of karma and rebirth.
Referring to the land of the dead in Japanese mythology or folk religion, often a shadowy or gloomy place.
来世 (raise) is a neutral, somewhat formal term for the afterlife. あの世 (ano yo) is more colloquial and commonly used in everyday speech, often with a sense of familiarity. 天国 (tengoku) specifically means 'heaven' and is used in Christian contexts or metaphorically for a blissful place. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.
While '次の世界' (tsugi no sekai) is a literal translation, it is not idiomatic in Japanese for the afterlife. It would be understood as 'the next world' in a science fiction or fantasy context (e.g., the next planet or dimension), not the afterlife. Use the terms listed above instead.
ここは極楽だね。
This is paradise, isn't it?
The full term for the Pure Land of Amida Buddha, often used in prayers and chants.
I want to be reborn in the Pure Land.
I do good deeds hoping for a better next life.
黄泉の国から戻ることはできない。
One cannot return from the underworld.