Giving condolences and expressing sympathy when someone passes away is an important part of Japanese culture. It is essential to understand the polite and respectful ways to convey this sentiment. In this guide, we will explore how to say “someone passed away” in Japanese, both formally and informally. We will also provide regional variations, further tips, and examples to help you navigate these sensitive conversations.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When speaking formally about someone’s passing, you can use the following expressions:
- 亡くなられました (nakunaremashita) – This is the most respectful and formal way to say “someone passed away” in Japanese. It emphasizes both respect and honor for the deceased.
Example: 大切な友人が亡くなられました (Taisetsu na yuujin ga nakunaremashita) – A dear friend passed away. - 逝去されました (seikyo saremashita) – This expression is also formal and emphasizes the idea of the person’s spirit departing.
Example: 彼女の祖父が逝去されました (Kanojo no sofu ga seikyo saremashita) – Her grandfather passed away.
Informal Expressions:
When speaking informally, or with close friends and family members, you can use the following expressions:
- 亡くなった (nakunatta) – This is a commonly used phrase when talking about someone passing away in casual settings.
Example: 昨日、犬が亡くなった (Kinou, inu ga nakunatta) – Yesterday, the dog passed away. - 亡くなってしまった (nakunattekimatta) – This expression carries a sense of regret or sorrow along with the news.
Example: 父が亡くなってしまったので、葬儀に参加します (Chichi ga nakunattekimatta node, sougi ni sanka shimasu) – My father passed away, so I will attend the funeral.
Regional Variations:
Expressions related to death can vary slightly based on regional dialects. Here are some examples of regional variations:
Kansai Region:
In the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto, people often use the word 遊びに行った (asobiniitta) to imply that someone has gone to play, which indirectly refers to passing away.
Example: 親戚のおばあちゃんが昨日遊びに行った (Shinseki no obaachan ga kinou asobiniitta) – My relative’s grandmother passed away yesterday.
Tokyo and Eastern Japan:
People from Tokyo and Eastern Japan often use the expression 火葬された (kasousaremashita), which specifically refers to the cremation process.
Example: 彼女の祖母は病気のため、今日火葬されました (Kanojo no sobo wa byouki no tame, kyou kasousaremashita) – Her grandmother was cremated today due to illness.
Tips and Etiquette:
When discussing someone’s passing in Japanese, it’s essential to keep the following tips and etiquette in mind:
- Use respectful language: Opt for more formal expressions when speaking to individuals of higher social status or elders to show respect and sensitivity.
- Timing is crucial: If possible, offer condolences as soon as you hear about the person’s passing. Timely expressions of sympathy are highly appreciated in Japanese culture.
- Say a few kind words: Following the phrase for passing away, offering additional kind words about the deceased, such as their good qualities or achievements, shows empathy and respect towards grieving family and friends.
- Express condolences with a letter or card: Writing a letter or sending a condolence card is a traditional gesture of sympathy in Japan. It allows you to express your feelings in a heartfelt manner.
- Follow funeral customs: Familiarize yourself with Japanese funeral customs to ensure you act appropriately during funeral services or memorial gatherings.
By following these tips and using the appropriate expressions, you can navigate conversations about someone’s passing in a respectful and compassionate manner.
Remember, while the expressions presented here are commonly used in Japanese, grief and condolence conversations are sensitive moments. Adapt your language and approach to fit the specific situation and the relationship you have with the bereaved.
Now that you have learned formal and informal expressions for “someone passed away” in Japanese, coupled with regional variations and important etiquette tips, you are better equipped to participate in conversations surrounding this delicate subject.
