葬儀

Both 葬儀 (sōgi) and お葬式 (osōshiki) refer to a funeral service. 葬儀 (sōgi) is the more formal, general term, often used in official contexts or news. お葬式 (osōshiki) is a more common, everyday, and slightly softer way to say it, often used in casual conversation. The 'お' (o) prefix makes it honorific and softer.

You can use it like this:

彼の葬儀に参列しました。
Kare no sōgi ni sanretsu shimashita.
I attended his funeral service.

葬儀は来週行われます。
Sōgi wa raishū okonawaremasu.
The funeral service will be held next week.

Traditional Japanese funeral services often involve a wake (お通夜 - otsuya), the funeral ceremony itself (告別式 - kokubetsushiki), and cremation (火葬 - kasō). Buddhist rituals are common, including prayers and sutra readings by monks. Guests typically offer incense (お焼香 - oshōkō) and present condolence money (香典 - kōden).

Yes, common phrases include:

心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。
Kokoro yori okuyami mōshiagemasu.
Please accept my deepest condolences.

ご冥福をお祈りいたします。
Go meifuku o oinori itashimasu.
May their soul rest in peace (literally, wishing for their happiness in the afterlife).

For a formal Japanese funeral, men typically wear a black suit with a white shirt and a black tie. Women wear a black dress or suit. Jewelry should be minimal and understated, often a single strand of pearls. It's best to avoid bright colors or flashy accessories.

While it's considered polite to attend if you have a close relationship with the deceased or their family, it's generally understood that not everyone can make it. If you cannot attend, it's polite to send a condolence message (弔電 - chōden) or offer condolence money (香典 - kōden) through someone else if possible.

Japanese funeral customs have been heavily influenced by Buddhism over centuries, though Shinto traditions also play a role, particularly in ancestral worship. Modern funerals often blend these traditions with some contemporary elements, but the core Buddhist rituals remain prominent.

Instead of gifts, it's customary to offer condolence money (香典 - kōden). This is given in a special envelope called a kōden-bukuro. The amount varies depending on your relationship with the deceased and family. In return, the family usually sends a thank-you gift (香典返し - kōden-gaeshi) later.

CEFR B1 means that '葬儀' is considered an intermediate-level vocabulary word. You should be able to understand it in common contexts and use it in basic conversations or written communication. It's not a beginner word, but also not highly specialized.

You would most likely encounter 葬儀 in news reports, formal announcements (like obituaries), or when discussing arrangements for a funeral. In everyday conversation, people might use the softer お葬式 (osōshiki) more frequently, but understanding 葬儀 is crucial for formal contexts.