Translation guide
The practice of disposing of a body by committing it to the ocean, often as part of a ceremony. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific terms depending on context, such as formal ceremonies, scattering of ashes, or nautical traditions.
To refer to a formal ceremony of burying a body at sea, often in a naval or traditional context.
The general term for burial at sea, encompassing both full-body burial and scattering of ashes in water. It is the most direct equivalent and is used in formal and legal contexts.
彼は海軍の伝統に従って水葬に付された。
He was given a burial at sea according to naval tradition.
A term often used in modern funeral services to refer to sea burial, particularly when scattering ashes from a boat. It emphasizes the oceanic aspect.
海洋葬を希望する人が増えています。
More people are requesting a burial at sea.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'burial in the sea'. It is less formal than 水葬 but widely understood. Suitable for general conversation.
遺族は海への埋葬を選んだ。
The bereaved family chose a burial at sea.
To describe the act of scattering cremated remains into the ocean, a common modern practice.
Literally 'scattering bones', this is the standard term for scattering ashes, including at sea. It is often used in the context of ocean scattering when combined with 海洋 (ocean).
父の遺灰は海洋散骨されました。
My father's ashes were scattered at sea.
Specifically 'ocean scattering of ashes'. This is the precise term used by funeral companies for scattering ashes at sea.
海洋散骨のプランを申し込んだ。
I applied for a sea scattering plan.
To refer to the historical or naval practice of burying a body at sea by wrapping it in a shroud and submerging it, often with a weight.
The verbal phrase 'to perform a water burial'. In a naval context, this implies the traditional full-body burial at sea.
船長は亡くなった船員を水葬にした。
The captain buried the deceased sailor at sea.
A more literary or emotional expression meaning 'to bury in the sea'. It can be used for both full-body burial and scattering, but often evokes traditional imagery.
彼は故郷の海に葬られた。
He was buried in the sea of his hometown.
水葬 (suisō) is the broadest term for water burial, including both full-body burial and ash scattering. 海洋葬 (kaiyōsō) specifically refers to sea burial, often in modern funeral services. 散骨 (sankotsu) means scattering of ashes, and when combined with 海洋 (kaiyō) it specifically means scattering at sea. For legal or formal contexts, 水葬 is most appropriate.
The phrase 'burial at sea' translated literally as 海の埋葬 (umi no maisō) is understandable but not idiomatic. Use 水葬 or 海洋葬 for natural Japanese.
彼は軍葬の礼をもって水葬に付された。
He received a burial at sea with full military honors.
今では多くの人が従来の墓ではなく海洋葬を選びます。
Many people now choose a sea burial instead of a traditional grave.