死亡記事
shibō kiji
The English word obituary is translated into Japanese as 死亡記事 (shibō kiji). Wiktionary also lists 訃 (fu) and 訃報 (fuhō).
Meaning: brief notice of a person’s death, especially one published in a newspaper (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 死亡記事 | shibō kiji | |
| 訃 | fu | |
| 訃報 | fuhō | [ɸɯ̟ho̞ː] (narrow) |
Use 訃報 (fuhō) to refer to the news of a death or to inform others about a death in an email or formal announcement. For a more descriptive, informal way to speak about the news of someone's passing, you can use 亡くなった知らせ. To convey condolences, the term おくやみ is commonly used.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 死亡記事 (shibō kiji) is a compound of 死亡 (shibō), meaning 'death' and 記事 (kiji), meaning 'article'.
Which one should you use?
While 死亡記事 (shibō kiji) refers specifically to a printed article in a newspaper, 訃報 (fuhō) refers more broadly to the news or announcement of a death.
How do you pronounce it?
shibō kiji
When do people say it?
In Japan, it is customary to use the phrase ご冥福をお祈りいたします to mean 'I pray for the deceased's peaceful rest.'
Did you know?
- The phrase ご冥福をお祈りいたします used in response to a 訃報 is strictly Buddhist in origin and should generally be avoided when speaking to families of Shinto or Christian faith.
- While 死亡記事 translates to 'obituary', the word 死亡 (shibō) is so clinical and blunt that using it in personal conversation can seem jarringly cold.
- Formal death notices known as 訃報 are often printed on traditional stationery that features a distinct black border.
Examples in context
- 新聞に死亡記事が載っています。Shinbun ni shibō kiji ga notte imasu.An obituary is published in the newspaper.
- 昨日の死亡記事を読みました。Kinō no shibō kiji o yomimashita.I read yesterday's obituary.
- 死亡記事の書き方は難しいです。Shibō kiji no kakikata wa muzukashii desu.Writing an obituary is difficult.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are looking at a local newspaper together.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔、この死亡記事を見て。Hiroto, kono shibō kiji o mite.Hiroto, look at this obituary.
- 大翔 Hirotoえっ、知り合いの人なの？E, shiriai no hito nano?What, is it someone you know?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、昔の先生です。Hai, mukashi no sensei desu.Yes, it is a former teacher of mine.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは残念だったね。Sore wa zannen datta ne.That is too bad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obituary” translations and entries 訃, 訃報, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
