Translation guide
How to express 'drop dead' in Japanese, covering the literal meaning of sudden death, the rude dismissal, and related expressions.
To die suddenly and unexpectedly.
A neutral, standard phrase meaning 'to die suddenly'. Used in news and everyday conversation.
彼は心臓発作で急死した。
He dropped dead from a heart attack.
Colloquial phrase for dying suddenly without suffering. Often used in the context of wishing for a peaceful, quick death.
A harsh, angry command telling someone to go away or die. Equivalent to 'Go to hell!' or 'Get lost!'
A very strong, vulgar imperative meaning 'Drop dead!' or 'Go to hell!'. Used in extreme anger. Not to be used lightly.
「くたばれ！」と彼は叫んだ。
'Drop dead!' he shouted.
To express shock or disbelief, as in 'I almost dropped dead when I heard the news.'
Literally 'to be so surprised that one almost dies'. A common way to express extreme shock.
その知らせを聞いて、びっくりして死にそうになった。
I almost dropped dead when I heard the news.
The English phrase 'Drop dead!' as an insult does not translate literally into Japanese. Using a direct translation like 「倒れて死ね」 would sound unnatural. Use the provided rude phrases instead, but be aware they are extremely offensive.
Both are very strong and offensive. くたばれ is more like 'Go to hell' or 'Drop dead', while 死ね is a direct 'Die!'. くたばれ is slightly more vulgar and emphatic.
祖母はぽっくり死にたいと言っていた。
My grandmother used to say she wanted to drop dead (peacefully).
More formal or medical term for sudden death. Often used in technical contexts.
その病気は突然死を引き起こすことがある。
The disease can cause sudden death.
Literally 'Die!'. A blunt, offensive command. Can be used as a strong insult.
彼女は怒って「死ね」と言った。
She got angry and said, 'Drop dead.'
Means 'Get lost!' or 'Disappear!'. A strong dismissal, though not literally about dying.
お前なんか消え失せろ！
You, drop dead! (Get lost!)
Literally 'I thought my heart would stop'. Used for a sudden fright or shock.
急に後ろから声をかけられて、心臓が止まるかと思った。
When someone suddenly called out from behind, I thought I'd drop dead.