B1 verb Formal 1 min read

悼む

/itamu/
Practice it

To mourn the dead with deep respect and sorrow.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Expresses deep sorrow for the deceased.
  • Used primarily in formal and respectful contexts.
  • Focuses on mourning and honoring the dead.

Overview

  1. 1概要：『悼む』は、死者を偲び、その死を心から悲しむ気持ちを表す動詞です。単に悲しむだけでなく、故人に対する敬意や追悼の念が含まれている点が特徴です。2) 使用パターン：主に「～を悼む」という形で使われます。対象は人物であることがほとんどですが、社会的な事件や事故の犠牲者を指す場合もあります。3) 一般的な文脈：ニュース、弔辞、手紙などのフォーマルな場面で頻繁に使用されます。「死を悼む」「犠牲者を悼む」といった表現が定型句です。4) 類語との比較：「悲しむ」は感情全般を指しますが、「悼む」は死者に限定されます。「弔う」は葬儀を行うなどの行為を含みますが、「悼む」は心の中の感情に焦点を当てています。

Examples

1

国民が亡き指導者の死を悼んだ。

formal

The citizens mourned the death of the late leader.

2

事故の犠牲者を悼む会が開かれた。

formal

A memorial service was held to mourn the victims of the accident.

3

彼の死を心から悼む。

formal

I sincerely mourn his death.

4

平和を悼む気持ちを忘れてはならない。

academic

We must not forget the feeling of grieving for the loss of peace.

Common Collocations

死を悼む Mourn a death
犠牲者を悼む Mourn the victims
心から悼む Sincerely mourn

Common Phrases

哀悼の意を表する

Express condolences

追悼の念

Feeling of mourning

死を悼む心

Heart that mourns the dead

Often Confused With

悼む vs 悲しむ

General term for sadness; not limited to death.

悼む vs 弔う

Involves actions like holding a funeral service.

Grammar Patterns

（人）の死を悼む （犠牲者）を悼む 心から悼む

How to Use It

Usage Notes

This word is strictly formal. It is essential for funeral contexts, speeches, and news media. It carries a sense of profound respect and solemnity.

Common Mistakes

Do not use this word for casual sadness (e.g., losing a game). It is exclusively for death. Using it in casual settings sounds unnatural.

Tips

💡

Use in formal writing only

This word is reserved for formal situations like obituaries or speeches. Avoid using it in casual conversation with friends.

⚠️

Do not confuse with 'tomurau'

While similar, 'tomurau' implies conducting funeral rites, whereas 'itamu' is purely about internal emotional mourning.

🌍

Respect for the deceased

In Japanese culture, using appropriate vocabulary like 'itamu' shows deep respect for the deceased and their family.

Word Origin

Derived from the old Japanese verb 'itamu' which meant to feel physical pain or emotional distress. Over time, it narrowed to mean emotional distress caused by death.

Cultural Context

In Japanese society, the language of mourning is highly structured. Using 'itamu' demonstrates that the speaker understands the etiquette of bereavement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'I-ta-mu' (I-tam-u) as 'I am hurting' for the dead. It sounds like 'I'm hurt' because you are grieving.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

「悲しむ」は一般的な悲しみの感情全般に使われますが、「悼む」は亡くなった人に対してのみ使われる特別な言葉です。

日常会話では少し硬すぎる印象を与えます。葬儀や追悼の場など、改まった場面で使うのが適切です。

「弔う」は葬儀を執り行うなどの具体的な行動を指すことが多いのに対し、「悼む」は心の中の悲しみの感情に重点を置いています。

基本的には亡くなった人や、事件・事故の犠牲者に対して使います。

Test Yourself

fill blank

多くの人々が亡くなった著名人の死を___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 悼んだ

死を悲しむ文脈なので「悼む」が適切です。

Score: /1

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

哀悼 Chinese
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