Translation guide
Expresses that something happens or exists after a person has died. Japanese uses noun modifiers, adverbs, and set phrases rather than a single direct translation.
Describe an event, state, or action occurring after a person's death.
A formal/written noun meaning 'after death'. Used with possessive の or as an adverb with に.
After his death, his family moved away.
死後に発見された日記。
A diary discovered after his death.
The most common, neutral spoken expression. Uses the polite verb 亡くなる (to pass away) + 後 (after).
父が亡くなった後、母は一人で暮らしている。
After my father passed away, my mother has been living alone.
Direct 'after dying', using the plain verb 死ぬ. Can sound blunt; use carefully.
Can be too direct or insensitive in polite conversation. Prefer 亡くなった後 in most situations.
彼が死んだ後、会社は倒産した。
After he died, the company went bankrupt.
Formal/literary term for 'after one's death', often used for artists or historical figures. Followed by years or events.
没後100年を記念して展覧会が開かれた。
An exhibition was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death.
Describe something awarded, published, or happening after death.
Talk about what will happen after the speaker's or listener's own death.
Conditional 'if/when I die'. Natural for hypothetical or future plans.
私が死んだら、この家は息子に譲るつもりだ。
When I die, I plan to leave this house to my son.
Politer version using 亡くなる. Suitable for formal contexts like wills.
私が亡くなった後は、葬儀は家族だけで行ってほしい。
After I pass away, I want the funeral to be held with just family.
Refer to existence or state after death in a religious or spiritual sense.
Literally 'the world after death', the standard term for the afterlife.
死後の世界を信じますか？
Do you believe in an afterlife?
Colloquial term for 'the other world' or 'the next world', often used in everyday speech.
あの世でまた会おう。
We'll meet again in the next world.
English 'after one's death' often becomes a noun modifier in Japanese. Do not try to translate word-for-word with 後 (あと) alone; use 死後 or a clause like 亡くなった後.
死後 is more formal and written, often used in official documents or news. 亡くなった後 is the natural spoken equivalent and is more personal.