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B1 verb 8 دقيقة للقراءة

弔う

tomurau

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح 弔う في 30 ثانية

الشرح 弔う in your Level:

At the A1 level, '弔う' (tomorau) is a bit difficult because it is a formal word. However, you can think of it as a special word for 'saying goodbye to someone who died.' In Japan, when someone dies, people go to a funeral or a temple. They pray and give flowers. This whole action is called 'tomorau.' You might use it simply like: 'I go to the temple to say goodbye to my grandfather.' Even though it's a big word, the feeling is just about being kind to people who are no longer here. You don't need to use it in daily conversation yet, but you might see it in simple stories about families or history. Just remember: it means 'to honor someone who passed away.'

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

For A2 learners, '弔う' (tomorau) is a verb you will see when reading about Japanese culture or festivals like Obon. Obon is a time when families 'tomorau' (mourn/honor) their ancestors. You should know that this word is a verb (an action). You do it by praying or visiting a grave. It is different from 'kanashii' (sad). 'Kanashii' is how you feel. 'Tomorau' is what you DO to show respect. For example, 'I offered incense to mourn my pet' (Pet o tomorau tame ni osenkou o ageta). It’s a 'Godan' verb, so it changes like 'kau' (to buy) or 'utau' (to sing). Focus on the connection between the action and the respect for the dead.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish '弔う' (tomorau) from other words like 'itamu' (to grieve). 'Tomorau' is transitive and usually takes the person or their spirit (霊 - rei) as the object. It implies a sense of duty and ritual. You will often see it in the form '〜を弔うために' (in order to mourn...). This is the level where you start encountering it in news reports about memorial services for victims of accidents or natural disasters. You should also recognize the kanji '弔'. It’s used in other words like '弔辞' (condolence speech) and '弔問' (visiting the bereaved). Understanding this word helps you engage with the deeper, more serious side of Japanese social expectations regarding death and memory.

B2 learners should understand the nuances of '弔う' (tomorau) in literary and formal contexts. It isn't just about funerals; it can represent a lifelong commitment to keeping someone's memory alive. You might encounter it in discussions about historical reconciliation—how a country 'tomorau' the victims of a past war. It carries a heavy 'public' nuance. In writing, you should be careful not to use it for the 'death' itself (e.g., *shi o tomorau is wrong), but for the 'individual' (e.g., kojin o tomorau). You should also be aware of the noun form '弔い' (tomorai), which can be used to describe the entire process of funeral and mourning rites. This word is key to understanding the Japanese concept of 'kuyou' (memorial services).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the philosophical and historical weight of '弔う' (tomorau). It appears in classical and modern literature to describe the spiritual act of pacifying the spirits of the dead (chinkon). It can have a sense of 'putting a soul to rest' so it doesn't become a 'yurei' (ghost) or 'onryo' (vengeful spirit). You should be able to use it in sophisticated sentences discussing social responsibility, such as 'how society should mourn those who died in anonymity.' You should also be familiar with related idioms and compound words like '弔い合戦' (a battle to avenge the dead) and understand how the word has evolved from ancient rites involving bows and arrows to modern Buddhist-influenced memorial services.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

For C2 proficiency, '弔う' (tomorau) is a tool for nuanced expression in high-level discourse. You can analyze its use in political rhetoric—for instance, how the choice of this verb over 'itamu' or 'kuyou' can signal different levels of state involvement or religious neutrality in public memorials. You should be comfortable with its use in archaic or highly poetic texts where it might take on shades of 'visiting' or 'inquiring after' (though this is rare now). You should also understand the kanji's etymological roots in 'warding off evil' and how that informs the underlying 'protective' nuance of the verb. Mastery at this level means knowing exactly when the gravity of 'tomorau' is required versus the more administrative 'sougi o okonau' (to hold a funeral).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

弔う في 30 ثانية

Tomorau means to mourn through ritualistic actions like funerals.
It is a formal transitive verb requiring an object (the person/soul).
It differs from 'itamu' (feeling grief) by focusing on the act of honoring.
Used frequently in news, literature, and religious contexts in Japan.

The Japanese verb 弔う (ともらう - tomorau) is a deeply emotional and culturally significant word that translates to 'to mourn,' 'to condole,' or 'to hold a memorial service for the dead.' Unlike the English word 'mourn,' which often focuses purely on the internal feeling of sadness, tomorau frequently encompasses the physical or ritualistic actions taken to honor the deceased. It is a word that bridges the gap between the private emotion of grief and the public act of remembrance. In Japanese society, where ancestor worship and Buddhist traditions play a central role, tomorau is the standard term used when one performs a ceremony, offers incense, or visits a grave to ensure the soul of the departed finds peace.

Ritualistic Mourning: This refers to the formal acts of holding a funeral or a memorial service (kuyou). When you say you are '弔う' someone, you are often implying that you are performing the necessary rites to see them off to the next world.
Emotional Condolence: It also describes the act of visiting the bereaved family to offer sympathy. In this context, it is about acknowledging the loss and showing respect to both the living and the dead.

亡くなった友人の霊を弔うために、花を手向けた。
I offered flowers to mourn the spirit of my deceased friend.

The usage of tomorau extends beyond human beings. In Japan, it is common to hear of memorial services for pets, or even inanimate objects that have served their purpose, such as needles (Hari-kuyou) or dolls. This reflects the Shinto/Buddhist belief that everything has a spirit that deserves to be acknowledged and laid to rest properly. When a natural disaster occurs, you will often hear public figures use this word to express the nation's collective effort to honor those lost. It carries a heavy, respectful, and slightly formal tone, making it unsuitable for casual or lighthearted situations.

彼は一生をかけて、戦没者を弔う決心をした。
He decided to spend his whole life mourning the war dead.

Common Objects: Common objects of this verb include 故人 (kojin - the deceased), 霊 (rei - spirit), 犠牲者 (giseisha - victims), and 魂 (tamashii - soul).

Historically, the kanji 弔 represents a bow with a string, which was used in ancient times to ward off evil spirits from a corpse. This etymology reinforces the idea that tomorau is not just about being sad, but about protecting and sanctifying the transition from life to death. It is a verb of agency—you are doing something for the one who can no longer do for themselves.

Using 弔う (tomorau) correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature. It always takes a direct object—the person or entity being honored—marked by the particle を (o). Because it is a formal and solemn word, it is most often found in the polite 〜ます (masu) form or in written literature, news reports, and formal speeches. You wouldn't typically use this in a casual chat about a celebrity passing away unless you were specifically talking about the memorial event held for them.

私たちは静かに故人の霊を弔いました。
We quietly mourned the spirit of the deceased.

The 'Purpose' Construction: A very common way to use this verb is with the grammar 〜ために (tame ni), meaning 'in order to.' For example, '弔うために集まる' (to gather in order to mourn). This highlights the intentionality of the action.

In a more abstract sense, tomorau can be used to mean 'to settle a score' or 'to avenge' in older literature or samurai dramas (Jidaigeki), though this is less common in modern daily life. In those contexts, '弔い合戦' (tomorai-gassen) refers to a battle fought to avenge a fallen lord or comrade. Even in this aggressive context, the underlying meaning is still 'doing something for the sake of the dead.'

震災で亡くなった方々を弔う式典が行われた。
A ceremony was held to mourn those who died in the earthquake disaster.

When writing, ensure you use the correct Kanji. The radical on the left is 'bow' (弓). Confusing it with '弔' (condolence) and '弟' (younger brother) is a common mistake for beginners because of the visual similarity, but the meanings are entirely unrelated. In professional Japanese, such as a thank-you note after a funeral, you might see the noun form '弔い' (tomorai), which refers to the funeral service itself.

You will encounter 弔う (tomorau) in several specific spheres of Japanese life. The most frequent is in the news and media. Whenever there is an anniversary of a major historical event, such as the end of World War II or the Great East Japan Earthquake, news anchors will use tomorau to describe the memorial services being held across the country. It provides a sense of national unity and solemnity.

遺族たちは海に向かって手を合わせ、犠牲者を弔った。
The bereaved families pressed their hands together toward the sea and mourned the victims.

In literature and poetry, tomorau is used to evoke a sense of 'mono no aware' (the pathos of things) and the transience of life. A protagonist might visit a forgotten grave in a rural village to tomorau a long-lost relative, serving as a plot device to connect the past with the present. It often carries a connotation of 'giving rest to a soul that might otherwise be restless.'

Religious Contexts: At a Buddhist temple (O-tera), a monk might explain the importance of 'senzo o tomorau' (mourning/honoring ancestors) to maintain the family's spiritual health. It is seen as a duty of the living.

You will also hear it in historical dramas (Taiga dramas). When a warrior falls in battle, his lord or rival might say they will 'properly mourn' (atsuku tomorau) him. This shows that despite being enemies in life, there is a mutual respect in death. This usage highlights the 'honor' aspect of the word, which is slightly different from the modern 'sadness' aspect.

Finally, in modern subculture (anime/manga), characters often use this word when a comrade dies. It’s a powerful moment where they vow to '弔う' their friend, usually by completing their mission or holding a small, personal ceremony. It signals a transition from the shock of death to the resolve of moving forward while carrying the memory of the deceased.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 弔う (tomorau) with 悼む (itamu). While both are translated as 'to mourn' in English, their usage in Japanese is distinct. Itamu is purely about the internal feeling of grief and regret over someone's death. You 'itamu' the death (shi o itamu). Tomorau, however, is about the person or the soul (rei o tomorau). You cannot 'tomorau' a 'death'; you 'tomorau' the 'person' who died.

Incorrect Particle Usage: Some learners try to use 'ni' (to/for) because they think of 'praying FOR someone.' However, 'tomorau' is transitive. It must be 'Person o tomorau.' Using 'ni' makes the sentence grammatically awkward or changes the meaning entirely.

❌ 彼の死を弔う (Kare no shi o tomorau)
✅ 彼の死を悼む (Kare no shi o itamu)
✅ 彼を弔う (Kare o tomorau)

Another mistake is using tomorau in a casual setting. If your friend's hamster dies, saying 'tomoraou' might sound overly dramatic or even religious. In casual settings, people usually say 'zannen da ne' (that's too bad) or use 'kuyou suru' (to hold a small service) for pets. Tomorau has a weight to it that implies a certain level of formality or deep spiritual intent.

Finally, don't confuse tomorau with iwau (祝う - to celebrate). While they are opposites in meaning, their kanji can sometimes be mixed up by fast readers due to the complexity of ritualistic words. Always double-check the context. If the atmosphere is dark and solemn, it is definitely tomorau.

To truly master 弔う (tomorau), you should know its synonyms and how they differ in register and nuance. Japanese has many words for death and mourning, each suited for a specific social distance or religious context.

悼む (Itamu): Focuses on the feeling of sadness. Used for 'mourning the loss' or 'regretting the death.' It is more psychological than ritualistic. Example: 友の死を悼む (Mourning the death of a friend).
供養する (Kuyou suru): A Buddhist term specifically meaning to make offerings (flowers, food, incense) to the deceased. This is very common in daily life for family altars and pet memorials.
哀悼する (Aitou suru): A very formal Sino-Japanese (Kango) word used in telegrams of condolence or formal speeches. You will see the phrase '哀悼の意を表する' (express one's condolences).

Comparison Table:
• 弔う: Action-oriented, ritualistic, honoring the soul.
• 悼む: Feeling-oriented, focused on the loss.
• 供養: Specific to offerings and Buddhist rites.

In some poetic or historical contexts, you might see 回向する (ekou suru), which is a highly technical Buddhist term for transferring merit to the deceased. However, for a B1-B2 learner, sticking to tomorau for general 'honoring/mourning' and itamu for 'feeling sad about a death' is the best strategy. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more empathetic and culturally aware when discussing sensitive topics in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The kanji 弔 represents a bow (弓) with a string. In ancient Japan, it was believed that the sound of a bowstring could drive away evil spirits that gathered around a corpse, hence its association with mourning rituals.

دليل النطق

UK tɒmɒraʊ

US toʊmoʊraʊ

Heiban (Flat) accent. The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word [0].

يتقافى مع

Utau (to sing) Kau (to buy) Warau (to laugh) Harau (to pay) Morau (to receive) Kanau (to come true) Yashinau (to nurture) Uyamau (to respect)

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing 'u' like the English 'you'. It should be a short, unrounded Japanese 'u'.
Stressing the second syllable 'MO'. Japanese is pitch-accented, so avoid heavy stress.
Making the 'r' too hard like the English 'R'. It should be a flick of the tongue.
Confusing with 'tomaru' (to stop).
Confusing with 'tomoru' (to be lit).

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

The kanji is distinct but can be confused with 'brother' or 'celebrate' by beginners.

الكتابة 4/5

Requires remembering the specific 'bow' radical and stroke order.

التحدث 3/5

Pronunciation is easy, but choosing the right context is key.

الاستماع 3/5

Easy to hear in formal news or documentaries.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

死ぬ (To die) 悲しい (Sad) お寺 (Temple) お墓 (Grave) 祈る (To pray)

تعلّم لاحقاً

供養 (Memorial service) 法事 (Buddhist service) 遺族 (Bereaved family) 冥福 (Happiness in next world) 葬儀 (Funeral)

متقدم

鎮魂 (Requiem/Pacifying spirits) 回向 (Transferring merit) 菩提 (Enlightenment/Salvation of the dead) 施餓鬼 (Feeding hungry ghosts ritual)

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Transitive Verbs with を

故人を弔う。

Tame ni (Purpose)

弔うために集まる。

Godan Verb Conjugation (u-ending)

弔わない、弔います、弔う、弔えば。

Te-form for sequential action

花を供えて、弔った。

Nominalization with Koto

死者を弔うことは大切だ。

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

おじいちゃんを弔うために、お寺に行きます。

I go to the temple to mourn my grandfather.

Uses 'tame ni' to show purpose.

花を置いて、亡くなった人を弔いました。

I placed flowers and mourned the person who died.

Past tense 'tomoraimashita'.

みんなで静かに彼を弔いましょう。

Let's all mourn him quietly.

Volitional form 'tomoraimashou'.

お墓で先祖を弔います。

I mourn my ancestors at the grave.

Direct object 'senzo' (ancestors).

犬が死んだので、庭で弔いました。

My dog died, so I mourned him in the garden.

Informal past tense 'tomoratta'.

心を込めて、彼を弔いたい。

I want to mourn him with all my heart.

Desire form 'tomoraitai'.

母は毎日、父を弔っています。

My mother mourns my father every day.

Continuous form 'tomora-tte imasu'.

古い人形を弔うお祭りがあります。

There is a festival to mourn old dolls.

Dictionary form modifying 'omatsuri'.

震災の犠牲者を弔う式典に出席した。

I attended a ceremony to mourn the victims of the earthquake.

Formal noun 'giseisha' (victims).

亡くなった猫を弔うために、木を植えました。

I planted a tree to mourn my deceased cat.

Compound sentence with 'tame ni'.

彼は亡き妻を弔うために旅に出た。

He went on a journey to mourn his late wife.

Naki tsuma (late wife) as the object.

古い道具を弔うという考え方は、日本らしいですね。

The idea of mourning old tools is very Japanese, isn't it?

To iu (called/the idea of) used for explanation.

私たちは毎年お盆に、先祖の霊を弔います。

We mourn the spirits of our ancestors every year during Obon.

Specific cultural time 'Obon'.

有名な作家を弔うために、多くのファンが集まった。

Many fans gathered to mourn the famous author.

Passive context (fans gathered).

戦没者を弔うための祈りを捧げた。

I offered a prayer to mourn the war dead.

Senpatsusha (war dead) is a common object.

彼は友人を弔うことを忘れなかった。

He did not forget to mourn his friend.

Nominalized verb 'tomorau koto'.

その寺は、無縁仏を弔うために建てられたと言われている。

It is said that the temple was built to mourn those with no living relatives.

Muen-botoke (souls with no one to tend their graves).

彼は自分の犯した過ちで亡くなった人々を、一生弔い続けるつもりだ。

He intends to continue mourning the people who died because of his mistakes for the rest of his life.

Compound verb 'tomorai-tsuzukeru'.

村人たちは、海で亡くなった漁師たちを弔うために灯籠を流した。

The villagers set lanterns afloat to mourn the fishermen who died at sea.

Cultural practice 'tourou-nagashi'.

彼女は亡くなった恩師を弔う弔辞を読んだ。

She read a memorial address to mourn her deceased former teacher.

Onshi (respected teacher).

事故の現場には、被害者を弔うための花束が絶えない。

At the scene of the accident, there is no end to the bouquets to mourn the victims.

Taenai (continuous/never-ending).

故人の遺志を継ぐことが、何よりの弔いになるだろう。

Carrying out the deceased's final wishes will be the best way to mourn them.

Noun form 'tomorai' used as a predicate.

彼はライバルだった男の死を、誰よりも深く弔った。

He mourned the death of the man who was his rival more deeply than anyone.

Deeply (fukaku) modifying the verb.

静かな音楽を流して、亡くなったペットを弔った。

I played quiet music and mourned my deceased pet.

Te-form 'nagashite' for sequential action.

国家として犠牲者をどのように弔うべきか、議論が分かれている。

Opinions are divided on how the nation should mourn the victims.

Beki (should) expressing social obligation.

その古い伝説は、非業の死を遂げた姫を弔うために作られたものだ。

That old legend was created to mourn a princess who met a tragic end.

Higou no shi (untimely/tragic death).

敵味方の区別なく、戦場に散った命を弔うのが彼の信条だった。

It was his creed to mourn the lives lost on the battlefield, without distinguishing between friend and foe.

Tekimikata no kubetsu naku (without distinction).

亡き父母を弔うために、彼は私財を投じて橋を架けた。

To mourn his late parents, he invested his own wealth to build a bridge.

Shizai o toujite (spending one's own money).

この詩には、若くして世を去った友を弔う切実な思いが込められている。

In this poem, the earnest feelings of mourning a friend who left this world young are deeply embedded.

Setsujitsu na omoi (earnest/poignant feelings).

彼は、孤独死した隣人を弔うために、一人で葬儀の手配をした。

To mourn the neighbor who died alone, he arranged the funeral by himself.

Kodokushi (dying alone).

数百年もの間、この一族は先祖の霊を弔い続けてきた。

For hundreds of years, this clan has continued to mourn the spirits of their ancestors.

Duration 'suuhyakunen mono aida'.

震災から十年、人々は今もなお、失われた命を弔い続けている。

Ten years after the earthquake, people are still continuing to mourn the lives that were lost.

Ima mo nao (still/even now).

歴史の闇に葬られた人々を弔うことは、現代に生きる我々の責務だ。

Mourning those buried in the darkness of history is the responsibility of those of us living in the present.

Sekimu (solemn duty).

その寺院は、怨霊を弔い、鎮めるために建立された経緯がある。

That temple has a history of being built to mourn and pacify vengeful spirits.

Onryou (vengeful spirit) and shizumeru (pacify).

彼は、自らの筆で亡き友を弔うべく、長編小説を書き上げた。

He finished writing a long novel in order to mourn his late friend with his own pen.

Beku (in order to - formal/archaic).

未だ帰らぬ遺骨を弔う術もなく、遺族の悲しみは癒えない。

With no way to mourn the remains that have yet to return, the grief of the bereaved does not heal.

Subu mo naku (having no way to).

この鎮魂歌は、志半ばで倒れた若者たちを弔うために捧げられた。

This requiem was dedicated to mourn the young people who fell with their goals half-achieved.

Chinkonka (requiem).

形骸化した儀式ではなく、真に心を込めて故人を弔うことが肝要だ。

It is essential to mourn the deceased with true sincerity, rather than through a hollow ritual.

Keigaika (becoming a mere shell/hollow).

彼は、かつての敵将を弔うことで、自らの心の葛藤に終止符を打った。

By mourning the former enemy general, he put an end to his own internal conflict.

Shuushifu o utsu (to put a stop to).

その土地に伝わる踊りは、もともと戦死者を弔うためのものだった。

The dance passed down in that region was originally for mourning those who died in battle.

Senshisha (those killed in war).

死者を弔うという行為は、文明の黎明期から人間の本質に深く根ざしている。

The act of mourning the dead has been deeply rooted in the essence of humanity since the dawn of civilization.

Reimeiki (dawn/beginning of an era).

彼は、無念のうちに世を去った衆生を弔うべく、巡礼の旅を続けている。

He continues his pilgrimage to mourn the sentient beings who left the world with lingering regrets.

Shujou (sentient beings - Buddhist term).

供養の形式がどうあれ、死者を弔う真摯な祈りこそが救いとなる。

Whatever the form of the memorial service, it is the sincere prayer mourning the dead that brings salvation.

Dou are (whatever it may be).

その記念碑は、名もなき労働者たちを弔うために、ひっそりと佇んでいる。

The monument stands quietly to mourn the nameless workers.

Hissori to tatazumu (standing quietly/unobtrusively).

歴史家は、記録に残らぬ敗者たちを弔うために、史実の断片を繋ぎ合わせた。

The historian pieced together fragments of historical facts to mourn the losers who were not recorded in history.

Saishi no danpen (fragments of facts).

彼が奏でる旋律は、あたかも逝ける魂を弔うかのような慈しみに満ちていた。

The melody he played was filled with a compassion as if mourning the souls that had passed.

Atakamo... ka no you na (as if...).

凄惨な事件の記憶を風化させず、犠牲者を弔い続けることが、再発防止への第一歩だ。

Continuing to mourn the victims without letting the memory of the gruesome incident fade is the first step toward preventing a recurrence.

Fuuka sasezu (without letting it fade/weather).

宗教的儀礼を超越し、普遍的な愛を持って人類の悲劇を弔う。

Transcending religious rituals, we mourn the tragedies of humanity with universal love.

Chouetsu (transcendence).

تلازمات شائعة

霊を弔う

犠牲者を弔う

手厚く弔う

静かに弔う

先祖を弔う

死者を弔う

故人を弔う

一生弔う

花を捧げて弔う

祈りを込めて弔う

العبارات الشائعة

弔いの花

— Flowers offered for mourning.

弔いの花を持って墓地へ行く。

弔いの鐘

— A funeral bell or mourning bell.

遠くから弔いの鐘が聞こえる。

弔いの言葉

— Words of condolence.

心のこもった弔いの言葉を述べる。

弔いの品

— An offering or gift for a memorial.

弔いの品を祭壇に供える。

弔いの旅

— A journey taken to visit graves or mourn.

彼は一人で弔いの旅に出た。

弔いの席

— A seat or place at a funeral/memorial.

弔いの席で昔話を語り合う。

弔いの儀

— The ceremony of mourning.

弔いの儀が厳かに行われた。

弔いの火

— A ritual fire (like Obon fires) for the dead.

弔いの火を焚いて霊を迎える。

弔いの歌

— A dirge or mourning song.

彼女は弔いの歌を口ずさんだ。

弔いの意

— The intention/feeling of mourning.

弔いの意を表すために黒い服を着る。

يُخلط عادةً مع

弔う vs 悼む (Itamu)

Itamu is the feeling of grief; Tomorau is the action of mourning/ritual.

弔う vs 供養 (Kuyou)

Kuyou is specifically Buddhist offerings; Tomorau is a broader term for mourning.

弔う vs 祝う (Iwau)

Opposite meaning (celebrate); kanji can look vaguely similar to a fast reader.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"弔い合戦"

— A battle fought to avenge a fallen leader or comrade.

主君の仇を討つための弔い合戦だ。

Historical/Literary

"弔い上げ"

— The final memorial service (usually after 33 or 50 years) when a soul is said to join the ancestors.

三十三回忌で弔い上げとする。

Buddhist/Traditional

"弔いに駆けつける"

— To rush to a house upon hearing of a death.

訃報を聞いて、すぐに弔いに駆けつけた。

Standard

"弔いの白菊"

— White chrysanthemums, the symbolic flower of mourning in Japan.

弔いの白菊を祭壇に飾る。

Poetic

"草葉の陰から弔う"

— To mourn/watch over from the grave (usually said by the dead person metaphorically).

草葉の陰からあなたを弔い、見守っています。

Literary

"弔い料"

— Money given as a condolence gift.

弔い料を包んで持参する。

Formal

"弔い旗"

— A mourning flag (often at half-mast).

街中には弔い旗が掲げられていた。

Formal

"弔い船"

— A boat used in a funeral or to send off spirits (like in Spirit Boat Processions).

精霊流しで弔い船を海へ出す。

Cultural

"弔い客"

— A person attending a funeral to mourn.

弔い客が絶え間なく訪れる。

Standard

"弔い仕事"

— The work of handling a funeral or memorial.

彼は弔い仕事を丁寧に行う職人だ。

Specific

سهل الخلط

弔う vs 弔う vs 悼む

Both translate as 'mourn'.

Tomorau takes the person/soul as an object and implies a ritual. Itamu takes the death/loss as an object and implies a feeling.

彼を弔う (Mourn him) vs 彼の死を悼む (Grieve his death).

弔う vs 弔う vs 弔問

Share the same kanji.

Tomorau is the verb for the act of mourning. Choumon is a noun for the specific act of visiting the bereaved family.

彼を弔う vs 彼の家を弔問する。

弔う vs 弔う vs 供養

Both involve memorial services.

Tomorau is a native Japanese verb (Wago). Kuyou is a Sino-Japanese noun (Kango) specifically tied to Buddhist offerings.

霊を弔う vs 霊を供養する。

弔う vs 弔う vs 葬る

Both relate to funerals.

Tomorau is about the spirit and memory. Houmuru (葬る) is about the physical act of burying or disposing of the body.

彼を弔う vs 墓に葬る。

弔う vs 弔う vs 拝む

Both involve praying.

Ogamu (拝む) is the physical act of joining hands to pray to anything (God, Buddha, Sun). Tomorau is specifically for the dead.

仏像を拝む vs 死者を弔う。

أنماط الجُمل

[Person] を弔う。

祖父を弔う。

[Person] を弔うために [Action]。

友を弔うために祈る。

[Person] を [Adverb] 弔う。

犠牲者を静かに弔う。

[Abstract Object] を弔う。

戦没者の霊を弔う。

[Person] を弔い続ける。

亡き妻を弔い続ける。

[Noun] が弔いになる。

それが彼への弔いになる。

[Verb-stem] べく弔う。

供養すべく弔う。

[Formal/Archaic] 弔い奉る。

御霊を弔い奉る。

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

弔い Mourning, funeral rites.

弔辞 Condolence speech/memorial address.

弔旗 Mourning flag (half-mast).

弔電 Telegram of condolence.

الأفعال

弔い合う To mourn together/mutually.

弔い続ける To continue mourning.

مرتبط

葬式 (Funeral)

供養 (Memorial service)

哀悼 (Condolence)

香典 (Funeral gift money)

墓参り (Visiting a grave)

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Common in formal settings, media, and literature; rare in casual daily speech.

أخطاء شائعة

Using 'ni' instead of 'o' → 故人を弔う
It is a transitive verb. You don't pray TO them in this grammar structure; you mourn THEM.
Confusing with 'itamu' → 死を悼む / 人を弔う
You can't 'tomorau' a 'death'. You 'tomorau' a 'person'.
Confusing with 'iwau' → 弔う (Mourn) / 祝う (Celebrate)
Opposite meanings. Be careful with kanji in formal invitations.
Casual usage for minor things → Use 'zannen' or 'shippai'
'Tomorau' is too heavy for a broken phone or a lost game.
Miswriting the kanji as 弟 → 弔 (Bow radical)
Adding the extra strokes at the top changes it to 'younger brother'.

نصائح

Be Specific with Objects

Always use a person, a soul (霊), or a group (犠牲者) as the object. Never use 'death' (死) as the direct object of tomorau.

Obon Season

This is the most common time to hear 'tomorau'. It refers to the ritual cleaning of graves and welcoming spirits back home.

Transitive Nature

Don't forget the 'o' particle. [Person] o tomorau. It is an action you perform ON the memory of someone.

The Bow Radical

Remember the 弓 (bow) on the left of 弔. It historically protected the dead from evil spirits.

Tomorau vs. Itamu

Tomorau = Doing something (praying, flowers). Itamu = Feeling something (sadness, regret).

Condolences

When visiting a bereaved family, you are 'tomon' (visiting to mourn), and your goal is to 'tomorau' the deceased.

Formal Documents

In news reports, 'tomorau' is the standard word for memorial ceremonies.

News Keywords

If you hear 'giseisha' (victims) and 'tomorau', it's almost certainly a report on a disaster anniversary.

Related Nouns

Learn 'Chouden' (condolence telegram) and 'Chouji' (memorial speech) alongside this verb.

Historical Dramas

In Samurai movies, 'tomorau' often implies avenging a death to bring peace to the soul.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'TO-MO-RA-U' as 'TO MOurn RAther Urgently'. Or imagine 'TOMO' (friend) and 'RAU' (like 'now' in Japanese phonetics)—mourning your friend NOW.

ربط بصري

Picture a person in a black suit holding a single 'White Lily' (a common flower for 'tomorau') standing before a 'Bow' (the kanji shape).

Word Web

Death Funeral Incense Grave Spirit Prayer Ancestor Obon

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'tomorau' in a sentence describing a historical monument in your city. For example: 'This statue was built to tomorau the victims of the fire.'

أصل الكلمة

The word 'tomorau' comes from the Old Japanese word 'tomurau'. It originally meant to visit or inquire after someone (similar to 'tou'). Over time, its meaning specialized to 'visiting the bereaved' or 'inquiring after the spirit of the dead.'

المعنى الأصلي: To visit or inquire after (someone's well-being).

Japonic

السياق الثقافي

Always use this word with a serious tone. Using it jokingly about a 'dead battery' or a 'dead video game character' might be seen as insensitive to the weight of actual death in Japanese culture.

In English, 'mourn' is often internal. In Japanese, 'tomorau' is an active, ritualistic process. We might say 'I am mourning,' but a Japanese person would more likely say 'I am performing a service to tomorau.'

The 'Hari-kuyou' (Needle Memorial) where tailors mourn broken needles. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, a national act of 'tomorau'. The classic film 'The Burmese Harp' where a soldier becomes a monk to 'tomorau' fallen comrades.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Funerals

ご冥福をお祈りします
お悔やみ申し上げます
手厚く弔う
最後のお別れ

Obon Festival

先祖を弔う
お墓参りに行く
迎え火を焚く
供え物をする

Natural Disasters

犠牲者を弔う
黙祷を捧げる
復興を祈る
忘れない

Pet Loss

ペットを弔う
虹の橋
庭に埋める
思い出を大切にする

Historical Sites

戦没者を弔う
慰霊碑
平和を願う
歴史を学ぶ

بدايات محادثة

"日本では、お盆にどのように先祖を弔うのですか？ (How do people mourn ancestors during Obon in Japan?)"

"亡くなったペットを弔うために、何か特別なことをしましたか？ (Did you do anything special to mourn your deceased pet?)"

"あなたの国では、亡くなった人をどのように弔う習慣がありますか？ (In your country, what customs are there for mourning the dead?)"

"このお寺は、誰を弔うために建てられたのでしょうか？ (Who do you think this temple was built to mourn?)"

"震災の犠牲者を弔う式典について、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about the ceremonies to mourn disaster victims?)"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

今日、亡くなった大切な人を弔うために何ができるか考えてみましょう。 (Think about what you can do today to mourn a loved one who passed away.)

日本の「弔う」という文化について、自分の国の文化と比較して書いてください。 (Write about the Japanese culture of 'mourning' in comparison to your own country's culture.)

もし自分が歴史上の人物を一人弔うとしたら、誰を選びますか？その理由も。 (If you were to mourn one historical figure, who would you choose and why?)

「弔う」という言葉から、どのようなイメージや感情が浮かびますか？ (What images or emotions come to mind from the word 'tomorau'?)

物（人形や道具）を弔うという日本の考え方について、あなたの意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion on the Japanese idea of mourning objects like dolls or tools.)

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, but usually in the context of a public memorial service. If you are just feeling sad at home, 'itamu' or 'kanashii' is more natural. If you go to a place to leave flowers, you can say 'tomorauために行きました'.

It has strong Buddhist connotations in modern Japan, but its origins are older and Shinto-related. It is used broadly for any act of honoring the dead regardless of the specific sect.

Tomorau is the verb (to mourn). Tomorai is the noun form (mourning/funeral). You might say 'Tomorai no hi' (Day of mourning).

No, that is a common mistake. You should say 'Shi o itamu' (Grieve the death) or 'Hito o tomorau' (Mourn the person).

It is a Godan verb ending in 'u', so it becomes 'tomorawanai'.

Yes, it is very common now to use it for pets to show they were part of the family and deserve a proper send-off.

It literally means a 'mourning battle.' It refers to a battle fought to avenge a leader who was killed. You see this in historical movies.

Yes, in specific cultural contexts like 'Hari-kuyou' (Needle Memorial), you can say you are 'tomorau'-ing the needles.

It is Heiban (type 0), meaning the pitch starts low and stays high/flat.

Only if you are sending a condolence message (Chouden). Otherwise, it is too heavy for business.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات