Translation guide
In Japanese culture, death anniversaries are important memorial observances. The most common term is 命日 (めいにち), but specific Buddhist terms exist for different years after death.
The yearly recurrence of the date of someone's death, observed by family.
The standard, neutral term for a death anniversary. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
Particular years after death that have special names in Buddhist tradition.
In Buddhist tradition, the year of death is counted as the first year, so 一周忌 is the first anniversary, 三回忌 is the second anniversary, etc. This can be confusing for learners.
命日 is the common, everyday word. 忌日 is more formal and often used in religious or written contexts. For most situations, 命日 is appropriate.
今日は父の命日です。
Today is the anniversary of my father's death.
命日にお墓参りに行きます。
I will visit the grave on the death anniversary.
A more formal or literary term for death anniversary, often used in written contexts or Buddhist ceremonies.
忌日法要を営みました。
We held a memorial service on the death anniversary.
The first anniversary of death. A major memorial service is often held.
来月は祖母の一周忌です。
Next month is the first anniversary of my grandmother's death.
The second anniversary of death (counting the death as the first year).
三回忌の法要をします。
We will hold a memorial service for the second anniversary.
The sixth anniversary of death.
七回忌を迎えました。
We have reached the sixth anniversary of his death.