棺
hitsugi[çit͡sɨɡʲi]
The English word "coffin" is translated into Japanese as 棺 (hitsugi). If unsure, use 棺. Wiktionary also lists 棺桶 (kan'oke).
Meaning: box in which a dead person is buried (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 棺 | hitsugi | [çit͡sɨɡʲi] (narrow) [kã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
| 棺桶 | kan'oke | [kã̠ɰ̃o̞ke̞] (narrow) |
A coffin is a box in which a dead person is buried.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 棺桶 (kan'oke) is a compound made of 棺 (coffin) and 桶 (tub, bucket or box), literally meaning "coffin box".
Which one should you use?
While 棺 (hitsugi) is the standard term, 棺桶 (kan'oke) is a more colloquial form that can sometimes carry a slightly more blunt or even derogatory nuance.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
hitsugi
Did you know?
- In Japanese Buddhist funerals, the coffin is often called 棺 (hitsugi), a word also used for the legendary wooden coffins used to transport Imperial regalia.
- In modern Japanese media, the term 棺桶 (kan'oke) is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a cramped, unpleasant, or claustrophobic space.
- The word 棺 (kan) is a phonetic loan from Middle Chinese, meaning its Japanese pronunciation is part of a large network of East Asian vocabulary for funeral rites.
Examples in context
- 生前葬のような入棺体験に参加した人々があると聞いたから驚いた。I was surprised to hear that there are people who participate in "inside a coffin experiences" similar to those funerals held for still living people.This sentence is useful for hearing how 棺 is used when discussing experiences related to being inside a coffin.Tatoeba #12171453 by ramen_icastico, translation #12171454 by ramen_icastico
- 豪華な棺が用意された。Gouka na hitsugi ga youi sareta.A luxurious coffin was prepared.
- 棺の蓋を閉める。Hitsugi no futa o shimeru.Close the lid of the coffin.
Example conversation
A movie producer and an actor are discussing a scene.
- 美咲 Misakiこのシーンでは、棺の中に横たわってください。Kono shiin de wa, hitsugi no naka ni yokotawatte kudasai.In this scene, please lie inside the coffin.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さん、棺は狭くないですか？Misaki-san, hitsugi wa semaku nai desu ka?Misaki, isn't the coffin narrow?
- 美咲 Misaki大丈夫ですよ、健太さん。Daijoubu desu yo, Kenta-san.It will be fine, Kenta.
- 健太 Kenta分かりました、やってみます。Wakarimashita, yatte mimasu.Understood, I will try it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coffin” translations and entries 棺, 棺桶, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 棺, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
