Translation guide
Expresses the state of being very close to dying, either literally or figuratively. Japanese uses set phrases and idiomatic expressions rather than a single direct translation.
Describing someone who is critically ill or injured and near death.
A common, somewhat literary phrase meaning 'to be on the verge of death' or 'at death's door'. Used for serious, often physical, near-death states.
彼は事故で死の淵にあったが、奇跡的に回復した。
He was on the verge of death after the accident, but miraculously recovered.
A more direct and colloquial way to say 'is dying' or 'is on the verge of death'. Can sound blunt.
その鳥は死にかけていた。
The bird was on the verge of death.
Literally 'breath of an insect', meaning barely breathing and near death. Very idiomatic.
病院に着いたとき、彼は虫の息だった。
When we arrived at the hospital, he was barely alive.
Hyperbolically expressing that one feels so tired or sick they feel like dying.
The most common way to say 'I feel like I'm dying' from exhaustion, sickness, or emotional distress.
二日間寝てなくて、死にそうだ。
I haven't slept for two days; I feel like I'm dying.
Literally 'tired to the point of dying'. A strong, common expression for extreme fatigue.
今日は死ぬほど疲れた。
I'm dead tired today.
A set phrase equivalent to the English idiom 'at death's door'.
A direct equivalent to 'standing at death's door'. Literary and somewhat dramatic.
彼は死の門に立っている。
He is at death's door.
The English phrase 'verge of death' does not have a single direct Japanese noun equivalent. Using a literal translation like 「死の縁」 (しのふち) is unnatural. Instead, use the set phrases provided.