Translation guide
The English word 'tomb' refers to a burial place, often a stone structure or chamber. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 墓 (haka), but depending on the type, size, or historical context, other words like 墓地 (bochi) or 古墳 (kofun) may be used.
The learner wants to refer to a burial place in general, such as a grave in a cemetery or a family tomb.
The most common and general word for 'grave' or 'tomb'. It can refer to a single grave marker or a family burial plot.
My grandfather's tomb is at that temple.
I'm going to visit the family grave.
Polite form of 墓, often used when referring to someone else's family grave or in respectful contexts.
Where is your family tomb?
Refers to a cemetery or graveyard as a whole, rather than an individual tomb.
There are many old tombs in this cemetery.
The learner wants to refer to a large, ancient tomb, especially from the Kofun period in Japan.
Specifically refers to ancient burial mounds, particularly the keyhole-shaped tombs from the Kofun period (3rd to 7th century).
The tomb of Emperor Nintoku is the largest kofun in Japan.
Used for imperial mausoleums. Often appears in the names of emperors' tombs.
The learner wants to describe the internal structure of a tomb, such as a burial chamber.
The learner wants to describe a grand, monumental tomb, such as the Taj Mahal.
A mausoleum or shrine-like tomb, often for a revered person. Used for grand structures like the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum of the Mughal Empire.
A mausoleum or shrine, often part of a compound. Can be used for Confucian or ancestral halls.
墓 (haka) is the general term for a grave or tomb, including modern family graves. 古墳 (kofun) refers specifically to ancient burial mounds, especially from the Kofun period. 墓地 (bochi) means a cemetery or graveyard as a whole, not an individual tomb.
There are many graves in this cemetery.
Kofun are tombs from ancient times.
When talking about visiting a family grave, the common phrase is 墓参り (hakamairi). It is a cultural practice, especially during Obon and the equinoxes.
This mausoleum is believed to be the tomb of an emperor.
A stone coffin was placed in the burial chamber.
Confucian temples are found throughout China.