Translation guide
A memorial is a physical object, event, or tribute that honors and remembers a person or event, often after death. Japanese has several words depending on whether it's a monument, a service, a keepsake, or a commemorative event.
A structure, statue, or plaque built to remember a person or event.
General term for a memorial monument or stone marker. Often used for historical events or notable people.
公園に戦争の記念碑が立っている。
There is a war memorial standing in the park.
Specifically a monument to console the spirits of the dead, often for war dead or disaster victims.
慰霊碑の前で黙祷を捧げた。
We offered a silent prayer in front of the memorial monument.
A memorial statue, often of a specific person.
駅前に彼の記念像が建てられた。
A memorial statue of him was erected in front of the station.
A formal gathering to remember and honor someone who has died.
A memorial service or ceremony, often public and formal.
多くの人が追悼式に参列した。
Many people attended the memorial service.
A Buddhist memorial service held on specific anniversaries after death.
A memorial ceremony to comfort the spirits of the dead, often for war dead or disaster victims.
An object kept to remember a person or event.
A keepsake from a deceased person, often clothing or personal items.
祖母の形見の指輪を大切にしている。
I treasure my grandmother's memorial ring.
A commemorative item or souvenir, not necessarily for the deceased. Can be for events.
An event, publication, or tribute to honor someone or something.
A commemorative event, often for anniversaries.
創立100周年の記念行事が開かれた。
A memorial event for the 100th anniversary of the founding was held.
Used as a prefix for tributes to the deceased, like 追悼文 (memorial writing) or 追悼番組 (memorial program).
新聞に追悼記事が載った。
A memorial article appeared in the newspaper.
記念碑 is a general memorial monument for any person or event, while 慰霊碑 specifically consoles the spirits of the dead, often used for war or disaster memorials.
The loanword メモリアル exists but is mainly used in proper names like メモリアルパーク (memorial park) or メモリアルホール. It is not a general translation for 'memorial' and can sound unnatural if used alone.
祖母の七回忌の法要を行った。
We held a memorial service for the seventh anniversary of my grandmother's death.
毎年、慰霊祭が営まれる。
A memorial ceremony is held every year.
大会の記念品としてタオルをもらった。
I received a towel as a memorial item from the tournament.