Translation guide
Expressions for the realm or state of the deceased in Japanese, ranging from mythological underworlds to euphemistic references.
Referring to the mythological or spiritual realm where the dead reside, often in religious or literary contexts.
The classical Japanese underworld in Shinto mythology, equivalent to the land of the dead. Commonly used in set phrases and literature.
彼は黄泉の国へ旅立った。
He departed for the land of the dead.
A general term for the underworld or realm of the dead, used in Buddhist and literary contexts. More formal than 黄泉.
冥界の王が死者を裁く。
The king of the underworld judges the dead.
Literally 'that world', a common euphemism for the afterlife or world of the dead. Used in everyday conversation and religious contexts.
祖母はあの世へ行きました。
My grandmother has passed away (gone to the other world).
The land of Yomi, a more explicit reference to the Shinto underworld. Often used in mythological discussions.
イザナミは黄泉の国に住んでいる。
Izanami dwells in the land of the dead.
Expressing the concept of life after death, often in a religious or spiritual sense.
The next world or afterlife, commonly used in Buddhist contexts. Implies rebirth or continuation.
来世でまた会おう。
Let's meet again in the next world.
The world after death, often used in Buddhist teachings. Similar to 来世 but slightly more formal.
後世の安楽を祈る。
I pray for peace in the next world.
Literally 'the world after death', a neutral and descriptive term suitable for both casual and formal contexts.
死後の世界について考えたことがありますか。
Have you ever thought about the world after death?
Describing a world inhabited by spirits, ghosts, or the restless dead, often in folklore or horror.
The spirit world or ghostly realm, a literary term often found in ghost stories and occult writings.
彼は幽界からの声を聞いた。
He heard voices from the world of the dead.
The spirit world, often used in spiritualism or paranormal contexts. Can imply communication with the dead.
黄泉 is specifically the Shinto underworld, often appearing in mythology. 冥界 is a broader term for the realm of the dead, used in Buddhist and literary contexts. あの世 is a casual euphemism for the afterlife, suitable for everyday conversation.
The phrase 'world of the dead' is not a single fixed term in Japanese. Choose the word that best fits the context: mythological, religious, or conversational.
霊界との交信を試みる。
Attempt to communicate with the spirit world.