仏ほとけになる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

to die; to pass away; to become a Buddha

Euphemistic or Buddhist-influenced expression for dying, literally 'to become a Buddha'. Often used in a respectful or gentle tone when referring to someone's death.

See also: 仏

• 祖そ母ぼは昨さく晩ばん、静しずかに仏ほとけになりました。

  My grandmother passed away peacefully last night.

• あの世よで仏ほとけになることを願ねがう。

  I pray that they become a Buddha in the next world.