Translation guide
How to express the time when someone died, in medical, legal, or everyday contexts.
The officially recorded time when a person is pronounced dead.
Standard term for 'time of death' in medical and legal contexts. Used in death certificates and official records.
死亡時刻は午後3時15分と記録された。
The time of death was recorded as 3:15 PM.
Estimated time of death, used when the exact time is unknown, often in forensic contexts.
死亡推定時刻は昨夜10時から12時の間です。
The estimated time of death is between 10 PM and midnight last night.
Talking about the time someone died in conversation or narrative.
Natural way to say 'the time (someone) passed away' in everyday speech. Uses the respectful verb 亡くなる.
おじいさんが亡くなった時間は、家族がそばにいた。
The family was with him at the time of his death.
Direct translation, but can sound blunt or insensitive. Use only in very casual or impersonal contexts, like discussing an animal or a fictional character.
Avoid using for people unless you intend to be blunt or are speaking very casually.
ペットが死んだ時間を覚えていない。
I don't remember the time my pet died.
Announcing the time of death in a formal notice or obituary.
Very formal and respectful, used in obituaries or formal announcements. 逝去 is a honorific term for death.
逝去の時刻は、令和6年3月1日午前2時10分です。
The time of death was 2:10 AM on March 1, 2024.
How to ask when someone died, politely or directly.
Polite way to ask 'What time did (he/she) pass away?'
お父様は何時に亡くなりましたか？
What time did your father pass away?
Direct question about the official time of death, used by professionals or in formal inquiries.
死亡時刻は何時ですか？カルテに記入します。
What is the time of death? I'll record it in the chart.
The verb 死ぬ (to die) is direct and can be insensitive when referring to people. Use 亡くなる (pass away) or 逝去 (formal passing) in respectful contexts.
彼は昨日亡くなりました。
He passed away yesterday.