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天に召される (てんにめされる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
pass away ; be called to heaven
A euphemistic, somewhat literary or religious expression for dying, literally 'to be summoned to heaven'. Often used in obituaries or respectful contexts.
い
闘とう
病びょう
の
末すえ
、
天てん
に
召め
さ
れ
た
。
After a long illness, she was called to heaven.
Similar words 亡な くなる The most common neutral/polite word for 'to die'. 天に召される is more euphemistic and carries a religious or poetic nuance.
死し ぬ Direct and sometimes blunt word for 'to die'. 天に召される is much softer and respectful.
Etymology A set phrase combining 天 (heaven) with the passive form of 召す (to summon, call), literally 'to be summoned to heaven'. The expression reflects a traditional view of death as being called by a higher power.
