Translation guide
The English verb 'die' refers to the end of life. In Japanese, the most common and neutral word is 死ぬ (shinu). However, there are many other expressions depending on politeness, formality, and context. This guide covers the main ways to express 'die' in Japanese, from everyday speech to formal and euphemistic language.
Expressing that a person, animal, or plant has died, in a straightforward manner.
The most basic and common verb for 'to die'. Used in casual and neutral contexts. Can be blunt if used directly about someone.
He died last year.
この花はもうすぐ死ぬ。
This flower will die soon.
A polite and euphemistic verb meaning 'to pass away'. Used when speaking respectfully about someone's death. The standard choice in news and formal conversation.
祖父が昨晩亡くなりました。
My grandfather passed away last night.
A formal, clinical term for 'to die', often used in official documents, news reports, and statistics. Not used in casual conversation.
事故で3人が死亡した。
Three people died in the accident.
Expressing death in a gentle, respectful way, often when talking about someone's family member or a respected person.
The most common polite euphemism. Literally 'to become gone'. Safe to use in almost any formal or respectful situation.
お母様が亡くなられたと聞きました。
I heard that your mother passed away.
A formal, somewhat literary euphemism meaning 'to pass away' or 'to depart this world'. Used in obituaries and respectful speech.
著名な作家が他界した。
A famous writer passed away.
A very formal and respectful term used almost exclusively in writing, such as in formal announcements or condolences. Not used in everyday speech.
社長の逝去を悼む。
We mourn the passing of the company president.
Expressing death in a very informal, sometimes crude or humorous way. Use with caution.
While neutral in many contexts, in casual speech it can be blunt. Often used in hyperbole ('I'm dying of laughter').
笑いすぎて死にそう。
I'm dying of laughter.
A vulgar and derogatory verb for 'to die', similar to 'to kick the bucket' or 'to croak'. Used in anger or as a strong insult. Not for polite company.
Extremely rude. Avoid using unless you intend to be offensive.
Slang for 'to die suddenly and painlessly', often used in a wishful or humorous way about one's own death. Literally 'to go poof'.
長生きしてポックリ逝きたい。
I want to live a long life and then die peacefully in my sleep.
Expressing the death of an emperor, a member of the imperial family, or a highly revered figure.
The honorific term used exclusively for the death of an emperor or empress. Extremely formal and specific.
天皇陛下が崩御された。
His Majesty the Emperor passed away.
Used for the death of a member of the imperial family other than the emperor/empress, or historically for high-ranking nobles. Very rare in modern usage.
皇族が薨去された。
A member of the imperial family passed away.
Referring to the disappearance of a species, a family line, or a tradition.
The standard term for 'to become extinct', used for species, languages, etc.
この動物は絶滅した。
This animal has died out.
Often used for the fall of civilizations, cultures, or lineages. Has a more dramatic or literary nuance.
その文明は滅びた。
That civilization died out.
Literally 'to die out completely', used for family lines or groups. Emphasizes the end of a lineage.
Describing that a device stops working, a fire goes out, or a sound fades.
For engines, motors, or machines that stop functioning. Not specifically 'die' but the most natural translation in context.
エンジンが突然止まった。
The engine suddenly died.
For fires, lights, or sounds that go out or fade away.
ろうそくの火が消えた。
The candle flame died.
Can be used colloquially for machines or batteries that stop working completely, similar to English 'dead'.
携帯の電池が死んだ。
My phone battery died.
Using 死ぬ (shinu) about someone's family member or a respected person can sound rude or insensitive. Use 亡くなる (nakunaru) or other euphemisms instead.
お父さんが亡くなったそうですね。
I heard your father passed away.
死ぬ is the general verb for 'to die', used in factual statements, casual speech, and about animals/plants. 亡くなる is a euphemism used for people, especially in polite conversation. In news, 死亡する is often used for factual reporting.
祖父は私が10歳のときに亡くなりました。
My grandfather died when I was ten.
Polite way to talk about a family member's death.
くたばれ！
Drop dead!
その家系は死に絶えた。
That family line has died out.