Translation guide
Clothing worn to express grief at a funeral or during a mourning period. In Japan, this is highly codified, with specific terms for Western-style formal mourning wear (mofuku) and traditional kimono mourning attire (mofuku or kuro-montsuki). The concept also extends to the color and style of accessories.
A black suit or dress worn at funerals and memorial services, following Western dress codes.
The general term for mourning clothes, most commonly referring to Western-style black formal wear (suits for men, dresses or suits for women). This is the standard word used in modern Japan.
葬式には喪服を着て行きます。
I will wear mourning dress to the funeral.
Wasei-eigo (Japanese-made English) specifically for Western-style black formal wear for funerals. Often used in fashion contexts or when shopping for funeral attire.
デパートでブラックフォーマルを買いました。
I bought a black formal mourning outfit at the department store.
Formal black kimono with family crests, worn at funerals and memorial services, following Japanese tradition.
Also used for traditional mourning kimono. For women, it is a plain black kimono with five family crests (itsutsu-mon) and a black obi. For men, it is a black montsuki kimono with striped hakama.
祖母の葬式で、母は喪服の着物を着ました。
At my grandmother's funeral, my mother wore a mourning kimono.
Specifically refers to the black kimono with family crests worn by both men and women. For men, it is often paired with striped hakama (黒紋付袴).
父は黒紋付に袴をつけて葬儀に参列した。
My father attended the funeral in a black montsuki kimono with hakama.
Items such as ties, veils, or the use of black in clothing to signify mourning.
The concept of wearing all black, including accessories like ties, shoes, and bags. This is a key aspect of Japanese mourning dress, where even small details should be black and without shine.
喪服のときは、靴やバッグも黒で統一します。
When wearing mourning dress, you should coordinate your shoes and bag in black as well.
A black ribbon or armband worn as a symbol of mourning. Not as common in modern Japan, but sometimes used at formal events or by officials.
彼は喪章を腕につけていた。
He wore a mourning band on his arm.
The English phrase 'mourning dress' can be directly translated as 喪服 (mofuku), but note that 喪服 encompasses both Western and traditional Japanese attire. In casual English, 'mourning dress' might sound old-fashioned; in Japanese, 喪服 is the standard modern term.
In Japan, mourning attire is strictly black and subdued. Avoid shiny materials, animal patterns, or flashy accessories. Women should wear minimal makeup and pearls are the only acceptable jewelry. Men should wear a black tie and white shirt with a black suit.