死体
shitai[ɕita̠i]
The Japanese word for "corpse" is 死体 (shitai).
死体 is used to refer to a dead body in a neutral or clinical sense.
Meaning: dead body (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 死体 is composed of 死 (death) and 体 (body).
Which one should you use?
While 死体 is a neutral or clinical term, 遺体 is a more respectful way to refer to the deceased's remains, commonly seen in news reports or funeral contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
shitai
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese Buddhist contexts, the physical corpse is sometimes referred to as 色身 (shikushin), viewing the body as a temporary manifestation of form.
- When referring to a dead body in a legal or forensic context, Japanese often uses the term 変死体 to specifically denote a 'strange' or unnatural death.
- In certain traditional contexts, the concept of a 'dead body' might be avoided through euphemisms to prevent bringing bad luck or 'impurity' into a space.
Examples in context
- 警察は川近くで見つかった身元不明の死体を調査しています。The police are investigating the unidentified corpse found near the river.
- 検死官は凶行の証拠がないか、死体を注意深く調べました。The medical examiner carefully examined the corpse for any signs of foul play.
- 死体が見つかった。shitai ga mitsukatta.A corpse was found.
- 現場に死体があった。genba ni shitai ga atta.There was a corpse at the scene.
- 死体を運び出す。shitai o hakobidasu.Carry out the corpse.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a mystery novel they are reading.
- 陽葵 Himariこの小説、死体の描写がリアルだね。kono shousetsu, shitai no byousha ga riaru dane.In this novel, the description of the corpse is realistic, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね、少し怖いよ。sou dane, sukoshi kowai yo.It is, it's a bit scary.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くんは、この展開はどう思う？youta-kun wa, kono tenkai wa dou omou?Youta, what do you think of this development?
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、僕はもっと謎がほしいよ。himari, boku wa motto nazo ga hoshii yo.Himari, I want more mystery.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “corpse” translations and entries 死体, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
