underworld; realm of the dead; Hades
Buddhist term for the world of the dead, often used in the context of the afterlife or the journey after death. Not a common everyday word; mostly appears in religious or literary contexts.
To depart on the journey to the underworld (i.e., to die).
冥土の土産にその話を聞かせてくれ。
Tell me that story as a souvenir for the next world (before I die).
冥土 emphasizes the dark underworld or realm of the dead, whereas 来世 focuses on the idea of a next life or existence.
冥土 names the netherworld itself where the dead go, whereas 冥福 is the happiness or peace they are wished within it.
Standard kanji spelling for the Buddhist concept of the underworld.
Alternate kanji spelling; 途 means 'way' or 'road', emphasizing the journey to the afterlife.
From Middle Chinese 冥土 (meng duX), literally 'dark land' or 'underworld'. The spelling 冥途 uses 途 ('way') to emphasize the path to the afterlife.