one's last moments; on the point of death; on one's deathbed
Refers to the time or state just before death. Often used in phrases like 死に際に (at the moment of death) or 死に際の言葉 (last words).
He called out his family's names in his last moments.
I can't forget his dying words.
死に際 focuses on the immediate verge of dying (the last struggle or words), whereas 最期 refers more broadly to the final moment or manner of one's death.
Standard kanji spelling.
Kana spelling for clarity or emphasis.
Irregular okurigana usage; rarely seen.
Compound of 死に (continuative form of 死ぬ 'to die') + 際 ('time, occasion').