Translation guide
The period or state of grieving after a death, and the associated customs and expressions.
Referring to the time during which one grieves, often with social customs.
The most common word for the mourning period, often used in compounds.
彼は喪に服している。
He is in mourning.
Specifically means being in the mourning period, often used on New Year's cards to explain absence of greetings.
喪中のため、新年のご挨拶を控えさせていただきます。
Due to being in mourning, I will refrain from New Year's greetings.
Refers to the period of intense mourning immediately after a death, typically 49 days in Buddhist tradition.
忌中につき、お祝い事は遠慮します。
As we are in the period of mourning, we will refrain from celebrations.
Showing sadness or grief, often through behavior or attire.
Formal expression of grief or condolence, often used in speeches or written messages.
哀悼の意を表します。
I express my condolences.
General word for sadness or grief, not limited to death but commonly used in mourning contexts.
Formal term for observing mourning, often involving specific clothing or rituals.
服喪期間は一年間です。
The mourning period is one year.
Clothing or items worn to signify mourning.
Mourning clothes, typically black formal wear worn at funerals.
喪服を着て葬式に参列した。
I attended the funeral wearing mourning clothes.
A mourning band or ribbon worn on the arm or chest.
彼は喪章をつけている。
He is wearing a mourning band.
A period of official mourning declared by a government or organization.
喪中 (もちゅう) refers to the entire mourning period, often one year, during which one refrains from celebrations. 忌中 (きちゅう) is the initial intense mourning period, typically 49 days, when one avoids Shinto shrines and other activities. After 忌中, one remains in 喪中 but with fewer restrictions.
忌中が明けたら、喪中はがきを出します。
After the initial mourning period ends, I will send mourning postcards.
The English word 'mourning' covers both the emotional state and the social customs. In Japanese, these are often expressed with different words. Using 悲しみ (かなしみ) for the social customs may sound odd; use 喪 (も) or 喪中 (もちゅう) instead.
深い悲しみに包まれています。
I am enveloped in deep sorrow.