To mourn and honor the deceased through prayer or ritual.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To mourn or hold a memorial service for the deceased.
- Expresses respect and prayer for the soul of the departed.
- Used in formal contexts regarding funerals or memorial events.
Overview
- 1概要：『弔う（とむらう）』は、死者を悼み、その霊を慰める行為全般を指す動詞です。単に葬式に出席することだけでなく、死者に対して敬意を払い、冥福を祈るという精神的な姿勢が含まれます。2) 使用パターン：主に「人を弔う」「死者を弔う」といった形で使われます。また、儀式そのものを指す場合は「弔いを行う」という名詞形に近い用法も見られます。3) 一般的な文脈：葬儀の場や、命日、墓参りなど、死者と向き合う厳粛な場面で用いられます。日常会話で頻繁に使う言葉ではありませんが、文学作品やニュース、礼儀正しい挨拶の中で重要な役割を果たします。4) 類似語との比較：「悼む（いたむ）」は主に死を悲しむという感情に焦点が当てられますが、「弔う」は儀式や祈りといった具体的な行為や、供養という宗教的な側面が強調されます。
Examples
故人を弔うために集まった。
formalWe gathered to mourn the deceased.
先祖を弔う行事が行われる。
formalA memorial service for ancestors will be held.
静かに弔いの時を過ごす。
formalI spend the time of mourning quietly.
戦死者を弔う慰霊碑がある。
academicThere is a monument to mourn the war dead.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
弔いを済ませる
finish the memorial rites
弔いの言葉
eulogy
弔い合戦
avenging battle
Often Confused With
Focuses on the internal feeling of sadness and grief. It is less about the ritual and more about the emotional state.
Specifically refers to religious offerings or rituals to console the spirit. It is more ritualistic than 'tomurau'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is highly formal and carries a somber tone. It is used primarily in contexts involving death and funeral-related traditions. Avoid using it in any situation other than mourning or paying respects to the deceased.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse it with 'itamu' (to grieve). Remember that 'tomurau' implies an active, often ritualistic, participation in the process of honoring the dead, whereas 'itamu' is primarily about the feeling of loss.
Tips
Focus on the ritualistic aspect
Remember that 'tomurau' implies an action or ritual. It is more than just feeling sad; it is about taking steps to honor the deceased.
Avoid casual usage
Do not use this word in casual settings or when talking about light topics. It is strictly reserved for death and memorial contexts.
Cultural importance of memorial
In Japan, memorial services are vital for family bonding and honoring ancestors. Understanding 'tomurau' helps grasp the depth of Japanese funeral culture.
Word Origin
The word originates from the act of visiting the family of the deceased to offer condolences. Over time, it evolved to encompass the entire act of performing memorial rites.
Cultural Context
In Japan, respecting the dead is a cornerstone of cultural identity, often involving specific rituals like Obon or memorial services on death anniversaries. 'Tomurau' encapsulates this duty and respect toward ancestors.
Memory Tip
Think of 'tomurau' as 'to mourn' (sounds slightly similar). Imagine a funeral procession (tomo) of people walking to honor the dead.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「悼む」は死を悲しむという感情的な側面が強く、心の中で感じる悲しみを指します。「弔う」は葬儀や供養など、死者を送るための具体的な行為や儀式を指すことが多いです。
日常会話ではあまり使いません。葬儀の場や、歴史的な背景を話す時など、少し硬い表現が必要な時に適しています。
はい、関係あります。亡くなった主君や仲間の無念を晴らすために戦うことを「弔い合戦」と言い、死者を弔うという目的が根底にあります。
「弔う」は「とむらう」と読みます。名詞として「弔い（とむらい）」という形で使われることも非常に多いです。
Test Yourself
故人を___ために、多くの人が集まった。
故人を偲ぶ文脈では「弔う」が適切です。
「弔う」とはどういう意味ですか？
「弔う」は死者に対する儀礼的な行為を指します。
（弔う／ために／死者を／集まる）
「〜ために」の前に目的語が来るのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
To mourn and honor the deceased through prayer or ritual.
- To mourn or hold a memorial service for the deceased.
- Expresses respect and prayer for the soul of the departed.
- Used in formal contexts regarding funerals or memorial events.
Focus on the ritualistic aspect
Remember that 'tomurau' implies an action or ritual. It is more than just feeling sad; it is about taking steps to honor the deceased.
Avoid casual usage
Do not use this word in casual settings or when talking about light topics. It is strictly reserved for death and memorial contexts.
Cultural importance of memorial
In Japan, memorial services are vital for family bonding and honoring ancestors. Understanding 'tomurau' helps grasp the depth of Japanese funeral culture.
Examples
4 of 4故人を弔うために集まった。
We gathered to mourn the deceased.
先祖を弔う行事が行われる。
A memorial service for ancestors will be held.
静かに弔いの時を過ごす。
I spend the time of mourning quietly.
戦死者を弔う慰霊碑がある。
There is a monument to mourn the war dead.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
