Japanese word

故人

Pronunciation

Romajikojin

Meaning

  • nounthe deceased

Example

家族は故人を静かにしのびました。ka zoku wa ko jin o shizu ka ni shi no bi ma shi ta

The family quietly remembered the deceased.

Illustration for 故人 (the deceased)

More examples

葬儀では故人の好きだった曲が流れました。sō gi de wa ko jin no su ki da tta kyoku ga naga re ma shi ta

At the funeral, a song the deceased had liked was played.

Core concept

Describes someone who has died and is referred to in a formal or respectful context.

Common phrases

  • 故人をしのぶko jin o shi no bu

    remember the deceased

  • 故人の遺志ko jin no i shi

    the deceased's wishes

  • 故人を悼むko jin o ita mu

    mourn the deceased

Similar words

死者shisha: A term for a person who has died, emphasizing the fact of death.
亡き人nakihito: A person who has died and is remembered with affection or respect.
物故者bukkosha: A person who has died, especially in formal records, announcements, or institutional contexts.

Definition in Japanese

亡くなった人を、改まっていう語。na ku na tta hito o arata ma tte i u go

Word origin

故 (ko, "former") combines with 人 (jin, "person") to form 故人 (kojin), a word for someone who has died.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese condolence messages, 故人 (kojin) is a formal term for the person who has died rather than a casual label for someone who is absent.

Opposites

  • 生者shōjathe livingnoun

Word lists with this word