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B1 verb #8,000 most common 9 min read

逝く

iku Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 逝く in 30 Seconds

Explanation 逝く in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn the verb 'iku' written as '行く' (to go). It is one of the first verbs you learn to describe moving from one place to another. However, you should be aware that the sound 'iku' can have different meanings based on the kanji used. At this level, you don't need to use '逝く' yourself, but if you see it in a book or a movie, remember it is a special, polite way to say someone has 'gone' forever (passed away). Just like in English we say 'he is gone' to mean someone died, Japanese does something similar. But for your own speaking, stick to 'iku' for 'to go' and 'shinu' (very carefully) for 'to die'.

At the A2 level, you are beginning to learn more kanji and more polite ways to speak. You might encounter '逝く' in simple stories or news headlines. The important thing to learn at this stage is the difference between '行く' (to go to a place) and '逝く' (to pass away). You should also know that 'nakunaru' (亡くなる) is the standard polite word for 'to die'. '逝く' is a bit more 'fancy' or literary. You might see it in a sentence like 'He passed away at age 90.' It helps you understand that the Japanese language often uses 'soft' words for sad topics. Don't worry about using it in conversation yet; just recognize it when you read it.

As a B1 learner, you should start integrating '逝く' into your receptive vocabulary and understand its respectful nuance. This is the level where you learn to handle more sensitive social situations. '逝く' is a euphemism, which means it's a polite word used to avoid a harsh one. When you talk about someone's death in a respectful way, especially in writing or a formal speech, '逝く' is a great choice. It sounds more dignified than the basic 'shinu' and more poetic than 'nakunaru'. You should be able to conjugate it correctly as a Group 1 (Godan) verb: itta, ikimashita, ikanai. Remember, it is almost always used for people, not things or animals.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the stylistic difference between '逝く' and other synonyms like 'takai suru' (他界する) or 'seikyo suru' (逝去する). You will see '逝く' frequently in literature, newspaper editorials, and biographies. You should understand that '逝く' often carries a sense of 'completion' or 'transition'. For example, 'tensai ga iku' (a genius passes away) implies the loss of a great talent. You should also be aware of the 'iku' vs 'yuku' pronunciation; in poetic contexts, '逝く' is sometimes read as 'yuku' to sound even more classical and refined. Your goal is to use this word to add emotional depth to your writing or formal presentations.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep appreciation for the cultural and Buddhist underpinnings of '逝く'. You can analyze how authors use this verb to create specific moods. For instance, in a tragic novel, '逝く' might be used to emphasize the ephemeral nature of life (mono no aware). You should also be familiar with the various compounds and fixed phrases involving this kanji, such as 'kyuusei' (急逝 - sudden death). At this level, you should be able to choose between '逝く', '亡くなる', and '逝去する' based on the exact social hierarchy and the desired emotional impact of your statement. You are expected to use these terms flawlessly in formal business correspondence or academic writing.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the full spectrum of Japanese expressions for death, from the most blunt to the most highly honorific. You understand the historical evolution of '逝く' and its relationship to classical Japanese. You can distinguish between its use in modern journalism and its use in Heian-period literature. You are sensitive to the subtle 'echoes' the word creates—how it links the deceased to a long tradition of ancestors who have also 'gone' before. You can use '逝く' in high-level creative writing or oratory to evoke a profound sense of respect, nostalgia, or philosophical reflection. You are also aware of rare, archaic readings or uses of the kanji in specialized legal or religious texts.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

逝く in 30 Seconds

A respectful euphemism for death.
Phonetically same as 'to go' (iku).
Used in formal and literary contexts.
Implies a dignified departure or journey.

The Japanese verb 逝く (iku) is a deeply nuanced and culturally significant term used to describe the act of passing away. While phonetically identical to the common verb 行く (to go), the usage of the specific kanji 逝 transforms the meaning into a solemn, respectful, and euphemistic expression for death. In Japanese society, where directness regarding mortality is often avoided to maintain harmony and show respect to the deceased and their family, 逝く serves as a bridge between the physical world and the unknown hereafter. It literally suggests 'going away' or 'departing' from this life, implying a journey rather than a clinical cessation of biological functions.

Literary Nuance: This word is frequently encountered in literature, poetry, and formal eulogies. It carries a sense of poetic finality and grace that the standard verb 死ぬ (shinu) lacks. When an author writes that a character '逝った', they are often highlighting the dignity of their departure or the profound impact of their absence.
Public Announcements: In news broadcasts or newspaper obituaries, especially when referring to public figures, artists, or respected elders, 逝く is used to soften the blow of the news. It conveys a level of social distance and respect (keigo-adjacent) that fits the gravity of a public loss.

「彼は多くのファンに惜しまれながら、静かに逝った。」
— Translation: While being mourned by many fans, he passed away peacefully.

The kanji itself, 逝, consists of the 'movement' radical (辶) and the phonetic component (折), which originally meant to break or snap. In this context, it symbolizes the breaking of ties with the mortal world. It is crucial for learners to understand that while it sounds like 'iku', writing it as '行く' in a funeral context would be a significant orthographic error, as it strips the word of its intended reverence. Furthermore, 逝く is almost exclusively used for humans; using it for an animal, while occasionally done for beloved pets in a highly personified way, is generally considered non-standard.

「若くして逝った天才画家の作品が展示されている。」
— Translation: The works of the genius painter who passed away young are being exhibited.

Religious Context: In Buddhist contexts, 逝く can imply the transition to the 'Pure Land' or the next stage of existence. It aligns with the Japanese view of death as a transition rather than an absolute end.

In modern times, you may also see the word in the compound 逝去 (seikyo), which is the noun form meaning 'death' or 'passing.' While 逝く is a verb, 逝去 is even more formal. Understanding the verb is the first step in mastering the sophisticated vocabulary required for formal social interactions in Japan. It reflects a speaker's maturity and their ability to navigate sensitive topics with linguistic precision.

Grammatically, 逝く (iku) behaves as a standard Godan verb (Group 1). Its conjugation patterns are identical to the everyday verb 行く (to go). However, the contexts in which these conjugations appear are strictly limited by the word's somber meaning. You will rarely find this verb in the imperative or volitional forms, as one does not typically 'order' or 'decide' to pass away in polite discourse.

Past Tense Usage: The most common form is the past tense, 逝った (itta) or the polite 逝きました (ikimashita). This is used to report a death that has already occurred.
Example: 「祖父は昨夜、安らかに逝きました。」 (My grandfather passed away peacefully last night.)
Modifying Nouns: The verb is often used to modify nouns, creating phrases like 'the person who passed away.'
Example: 「先に逝った友人」 (The friend who passed away before me.)

「彼は家族に見守られながら、天国へ逝った。」
— Translation: He departed for heaven while being watched over by his family.

When using 逝く, it is common to include adverbs that describe the manner of death, such as 安らかに (yasuraka ni - peacefully), 静かに (shizuka ni - quietly), or 急に (kyuu ni - suddenly). These adverbs help to paint a respectful picture of the individual's final moments. It is also frequently paired with destinations in a metaphorical sense, such as 黄泉の国 (Yomi no kuni - the land of the dead) or 天国 (Tengoku - heaven).

「多くの才能ある若者が、戦争で逝ってしまった。」
— Translation: Many talented young people have passed away in the war.

In formal writing, the passive form 逝かれる is sometimes used as a form of respect (Sonkeigo), though お亡くなりになる is much more common for this purpose. The versatility of 逝く lies in its ability to be used both in intimate family settings (when speaking about a loved one's peaceful end) and in high-level literary descriptions. It is a word that requires the speaker to be mindful of the emotional weight it carries.

Identifying 逝く (iku) in the wild requires an ear for context, as it sounds exactly like 'to go.' You are most likely to encounter this word in specific environments where the themes of mortality, legacy, and remembrance are central. It is not a word for the grocery store or a casual chat about the weekend; it is a word for the significant moments of life and death.

Television and Media Obits: When a famous actor, musician, or politician dies, the news anchor will often use 逝く. You might see the headline: 「国民的歌手、逝く」 (National singer passes away). This usage signals to the audience that the person was held in high regard.
Documentaries and Biographies: When narrating the end of a historical figure's life, 逝く is the preferred verb to maintain a respectful and objective tone. It gives the narrative a sense of historical weight and dignity.

「彼は最期までペンを離さず、執筆中に逝った。」
— Translation: He did not let go of his pen until the very end, passing away while writing.

In literature (Bungei), 逝く is a staple. Authors use it to evoke emotion without being overly sentimental or clinical. In a novel, a character might '逝く' into a sunset, or '逝く' after a long illness. The word carries a visual quality—the image of someone walking away into a mist or towards a far-off light. This is why it is so popular in song lyrics as well, particularly in Enka or J-Pop ballads that deal with loss and the 'journey' of the soul.

「星になった彼は、今も空から私たちを見守りながら逝った。」
— Translation: He who became a star passed away while still watching over us from the sky.

Finally, you will hear this word during funeral services (Ososhiki) or memorial services (Hoji). The priest or the person delivering the eulogy will use 逝く or its noun form 逝去 to refer to the deceased's departure. In these settings, the word serves to validate the life lived and the transition to whatever comes next. For a learner, hearing 'iku' in a quiet, formal room with black-clad people is a clear signal that the 'to pass away' meaning is in effect.

Because 逝く (iku) shares its reading with the most common movement verb in Japanese, errors are frequent among learners. These mistakes range from simple kanji mix-ups to profound social faux pas regarding the level of respect and the subject of the sentence.

Confusing Kanji in Writing: Writing 学校に逝く (going to death at school) instead of 学校に行く (going to school) is a common typo that can be quite jarring or unintentionally dark. Always double-check your kanji selection in digital input methods.
Subject Inappropriateness: Using 逝く for a pet or an insect is generally considered incorrect. While you might use it for a very personified pet to show deep grief, usually 死ぬ (shinu) or 亡くなる (nakunaru) is more appropriate for animals. 逝く implies a human dignity and a journey of the soul.

「昨日、祖父が天国へ行きました。」
— Note: While understandable, using '行きました' lacks the specific poetic/respectful nuance of '逝きました'.

Another mistake is using the verb too casually. Even though it is a euphemism, it is still a word about death. Using it in a joke or a lighthearted context can come across as insensitive or 'edgy' in a way that might offend. It is a 'serious' word. Furthermore, learners often forget that 逝く is a verb of 'departure.' It focuses on the act of leaving this world. If you want to focus on the state of being dead, you would use 亡くなっている or 死んでいる.

「彼は安らかに逝った。」
— Correct: Use this for a respectful, slightly literary report of someone's passing.

Finally, avoid overusing the te-form 逝って in isolation. Because it sounds like 'Please go' (行って), it can be confusing in spoken Japanese if the context isn't crystal clear. Usually, it is paired with しまった or used as a participle to describe a state. Being aware of these subtle traps will help you use 逝く with the sensitivity and accuracy it requires.

Japanese has a vast vocabulary for 'death,' each with its own register, level of formality, and emotional weight. Understanding where 逝く (iku) fits in this spectrum is essential for B1 learners and beyond. It sits comfortably in the 'respectful and euphemistic' category, but it is not the only option.

亡くなる (Nakunaru): This is the most common polite way to say 'to die' in daily life. It is less literary than 逝く and more standard for polite conversation with neighbors, colleagues, or strangers. If you are unsure which word to use, 亡くなる is almost always a safe choice.
死ぬ (Shinu): The direct, biological term for 'to die.' It is used for animals, in medical contexts, or in very blunt/casual speech. In polite society, using 死ぬ for a person (especially someone else's relative) is considered quite rude and insensitive.

「彼は他界した。」
— Comparison: 他界 (takai) literally means 'going to the other world' and is a formal noun-verb (suru).

Other alternatives include 永眠する (eimin suru), which means 'to sleep eternally' and is often found on gravestones or in formal obituaries. There is also 不帰の客となる (fuki no kyaku to naru), a very literary expression meaning 'to become a guest who does not return.' Compared to these, 逝く is slightly more versatile because it can be used as a simple verb in a sentence while still maintaining that poetic 'journey' nuance.

「恩師が永眠されたとの報に接しました。」
— Translation: I received the news that my former teacher has entered eternal sleep.

When choosing between 逝く and 亡くなる, consider the 'story' you are telling. If you are simply relaying the fact of a death in a polite way, use 亡くなる. If you are honoring the person's life, describing a peaceful end, or writing a tribute, 逝く provides the emotional resonance that 亡くなる lacks. By mastering these distinctions, you move from simply speaking Japanese to truly communicating with the heart and cultural awareness of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The reading 'iku' was assigned to this kanji because 'going' is the most common euphemism for death in many cultures, including ancient Japan. It shares the exact same linguistic roots as the verb for 'to go' (行く).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /i.ku/

US /i.ku/

Japanese is pitch-accented. In standard Tokyo Japanese, 'iku' (to go) and 'iku' (to pass away) are typically Heiban (flat), meaning the pitch rises after the first mora and stays level.

Rhymes With

Kiku (to listen) Riku (land) Hiku (to pull) Miku (name) Siku (to spread) Tiku (district) Yiku (to go - dialect/poetic) Niku (meat - different pitch)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like the English 'I-koo' with a long 'I'.
Confusing it with 'yuku' (which is also a valid reading but more poetic/archaic).
Over-emphasizing the 'u' at the end; it should be short.
Using the wrong pitch accent, making it sound like 'breath' (iki) if not careful.
Mumbling the 'k' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji is N1 level, but the reading is common. Context usually makes it clear.

Writing 4/5

The kanji 逝 is complex and easily confused with other radicals like 'chiku' or 'sei'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is easy, but choosing the right social context is tricky.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'to go' based on the somber tone of the speaker.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

行く (To go) 死ぬ (To die) 亡くなる (To pass away) 天国 (Heaven) 最後 (The end)

Learn Next

逝去 (Formal death) 葬式 (Funeral) 冥福 (Happiness in the next world) 供養 (Memorial service) 遺産 (Inheritance)

Advanced

崩御 (Imperial death) 薨去 (Death of high-ranking noble) 卒去 (Death of mid-ranking noble) 寂滅 (Nirvana/Death of a monk)

Grammar to Know

Honorific Passive (Sonkeigo)

先生が逝かれました。 (The teacher passed away - respectful).

Te-shimau (Regret/Completion)

彼は若くして逝ってしまった。 (He unfortunately passed away young.)

Noun Modification

先に逝った人々を忘れない。 (I won't forget the people who passed away before me.)

Adverbial Modification

眠るように逝く。 (To pass away as if sleeping.)

Hearsay (Sou desu)

彼は昨日逝ったそうです。 (I heard he passed away yesterday.)

Examples by Level

あの人は逝きました。

That person passed away.

Simple past tense of '逝く'.

おじいさんは逝った。

Grandfather passed away.

Plain past tense.

彼は天国へ逝きました。

He went to heaven.

Destination 'heaven' (Tengoku) is common.

静かに逝きました。

Passed away quietly.

Adverb 'shizuka ni' describes the manner.

いつ逝きましたか？

When did they pass away?

Question form.

昨日、逝ったそうです。

I heard they passed away yesterday.

Using 'sou desu' for hearsay.

安らかに逝ってほしい。

I want them to pass away peacefully.

Te-form + hoshii (desire).

逝くことは怖くない。

Passing away is not scary.

Verb nominalized with 'koto'.

多くの人が若くして逝った。

Many people passed away young.

Adverbial 'wakaku shite' (while young).

彼は家族のそばで逝きました。

He passed away by his family's side.

Location 'soba de' (beside).

有名な作家が逝ったというニュース。

News that a famous author has passed away.

Noun modification (writer who passed away).

彼女は病気で逝きました。

She passed away due to illness.

Cause 'de' (due to).

母は去年の冬に逝った。

My mother passed away last winter.

Time marker 'ni'.

彼は眠るように逝きました。

He passed away as if sleeping.

Simile 'nemuru you ni'.

先に逝った夫を思い出す。

I remember my husband who passed away before me.

Relative clause.

誰もがいつかは逝く。

Everyone passes away someday.

Universal statement.

恩師は、教え子たちに見守られて逝った。

The teacher passed away watched over by their students.

Passive helper 'mimamorarete' (being watched over).

彼は志半ばで逝ってしまった。

He passed away with his ambitions only half-fulfilled.

Te-shimau expresses regret.

祖母は100歳の大往生で逝きました。

Grandmother passed away at 100, a peaceful end to a long life.

Noun 'daioujou' (peaceful death after a long life).

戦場へ行ったきり、彼は逝ってしまった。

He went to the battlefield and passed away there.

Grammar 'kiri' (after doing X, things stayed that way).

友人の急逝を知り、言葉を失った。

Learning of my friend's sudden passing, I was speechless.

Compound noun 'kyuusei' (sudden death).

彼は愛する妻の後を追うように逝った。

He passed away as if following after his beloved wife.

Idiomatic 'ato o ou' (to follow after).

静かな夜、彼は一人で逝った。

On a quiet night, he passed away alone.

Emphasis on 'hitori de'.

その老兵は、静かにこの世を逝った。

The old soldier quietly departed this world.

Object 'kono yo' (this world).

彼は自らの信念を貫き通して逝った。

He passed away having carried out his beliefs to the end.

Compound verb 'tsuranuki-toosu' (to carry through).

惜しまれつつ逝った彼の功績は大きい。

His achievements are great, having passed away while being mourned.

Grammar 'tsutsu' (while/despite).

その詩人は、美しい言葉を遺して逝った。

The poet passed away, leaving behind beautiful words.

Verb 'nokosu' (to leave behind).

彼は苦しむことなく、安らかに逝かれた。

He passed away peacefully without suffering.

Honorific passive 'ikareta'.

不慮の事故で逝った若者を悼む。

We mourn the young person who passed away in an unexpected accident.

Noun 'furyo' (unexpected/accidental).

彼は多くの謎を遺したまま逝ってしまった。

He passed away while leaving many mysteries behind.

Grammar 'mama' (as is/remaining).

彼女は最後まで希望を捨てずに逝った。

She passed away without giving up hope until the end.

Negative 'zu ni' (without doing).

巨星、逝く。そのニュースは世界を駆け巡った。

A giant star has fallen (passed away). That news raced around the world.

Metaphorical 'kyosei' (giant star/great person).

彼は孤高の人生を歩み、誰にも看取られず逝った。

He walked a path of solitary heights and passed away with no one at his deathbed.

Verb 'mitoru' (to watch over someone on their deathbed).

その思想家は、時代の先駆者として逝った。

The thinker passed away as a pioneer of their era.

Particle 'toshite' (as).

彼は愛蔵の書に囲まれて、静かに逝ったという。

They say he passed away quietly, surrounded by his cherished books.

Passive 'kakomarete' (being surrounded).

彼は波乱万丈の生涯を閉じ、ついに逝った。

Closing his stormy and eventful life, he finally passed away.

Idiom 'haran banjou' (full of ups and downs).

彼は、自らが愛したこの土地で逝くことを望んだ。

He wished to pass away in this land that he loved.

Relative clause + 'koto o nozonda'.

彼女は、微笑みを浮かべたまま逝ったそうだ。

I heard she passed away with a smile on her face.

Form 'o ukabeta mama' (with X on face).

彼は、未完の大作を遺してこの世を逝った。

He departed this world, leaving behind an unfinished masterpiece.

Noun 'mikan' (unfinished).

彼はまさに、武士としての本分を全うして逝った。

He truly passed away having fulfilled his duty as a samurai.

Verb 'mattou suru' (to fulfill/complete).

彼は、悠久の時へと逝ったのである。

He has departed into the eternity of time.

Explanatory 'no de aru'.

その文豪は、一抹の寂寥感を漂わせつつ逝った。

The great writer passed away, leaving a lingering sense of loneliness.

Advanced vocabulary 'sekiryoukan' (loneliness/desolation).

彼は、衆生救済の祈りの中で逝った高僧であった。

He was a high priest who passed away amidst prayers for the salvation of all living beings.

Buddhist term 'shuujou kyuusai'.

彼は、己の運命を甘受し、淡々と逝った。

He accepted his fate and passed away with indifference/calmness.

Adverb 'tantan to' (dispassionately).

彼は、歴史の闇へと消え去るように逝った。

He passed away as if disappearing into the darkness of history.

Verb 'kie-saru' (to vanish).

彼は、最期の一葉が落ちるのと機を同じくして逝った。

He passed away at the same moment the last leaf fell.

Phrase 'ki o onajiku shite' (at the same time).

彼は、一世を風靡した時代の寵児として逝った。

He passed away as the darling of an era that he had dominated.

Idiom 'issei o fuubi suru'.

彼は、魂のルフランを奏でながら、彼方へと逝った。

While playing the refrain of his soul, he departed for the far side.

Metaphorical 'kanata' (the far side/beyond).

Common Collocations

安らかに逝く

静かに逝く

若くして逝く

天国へ逝く

急に逝く

惜しまれて逝く

この世を逝く

一人で逝く

眠るように逝く

志半ばで逝く

Common Phrases

先に逝く

— To pass away before someone else (usually a spouse or friend).

先に逝った妻に会いたい。

逝ってしまった

— Expresses the sadness or finality of someone having passed away.

あんなに元気だったのに、逝ってしまった。

逝く人、来る人

— Those who pass away and those who are born (the cycle of life).

逝く人を送り、来る人を迎える。

安らかに逝かせてあげたい

— I want to let them pass away peacefully.

最期は安らかに逝かせてあげたい。

逝く先

— The destination after death (the afterlife).

逝く先は誰にもわからない。

逝く春

— A poetic expression for the end of spring (metaphor for death/ending).

逝く春を惜しむ。

逝く末

— One's future or the end of one's life.

自分の逝く末を案じる。

逝く背中

— The back of someone as they depart (metaphorical).

逝く背中を見送る。

共に逝く

— To pass away together (e.g., a double suicide or accident).

二人は共に逝った。

逝く時

— The moment of death.

逝く時は誰もが一人だ。

Often Confused With

逝く vs 行く

Same sound, but means 'to go' (physical movement). Using the wrong kanji is a major error.

逝く vs 生く

An archaic reading of 'to live' (iku/ikiru). Rarely used now but can be confusing in classical texts.

逝く vs 息

Sounds like 'iki' (breath). Related to the phrase 'iki o hikitoru' (to draw last breath).

Idioms & Expressions

"不帰の客となる"

— To become a guest who does not return; to die.

彼はついに不帰の客となった。

Literary

"黄泉の客となる"

— To become a guest of the underworld; to die.

戦士たちは黄泉の客となった。

Classical

"帰らぬ人となる"

— To become a person who does not return; to die.

彼は事故で帰らぬ人となった。

Formal

"白玉楼中の人となる"

— To become a person in the White Jade Tower (used for the death of a writer).

若き天才は白玉楼中の人となった。

Archaic

"天に召される"

— To be called to heaven (Christian context).

彼女は安らかに天に召された。

Religious

"土に帰る"

— To return to the earth; to die.

人間は死ねば土に帰る。

Philosophical

"鬼籍に入る"

— To enter the registry of ghosts; to die.

恩師もついに鬼籍に入られた。

Formal

"草葉の陰"

— Under the shadow of the leaves (where the dead rest).

草葉の陰で見守っていてください。

Idiomatic

"息を引き取る"

— To draw one's last breath.

家族の前で静かに息を引き取った。

Standard

"幽明境を異にする"

— To be separated by the boundary of life and death.

友とは幽明境を異にしてしまった。

Formal

Easily Confused

逝く vs 亡くなる

Both are polite words for death.

亡くなる is neutral-polite for daily use. 逝く is more literary, respectful, and emphasizes the 'departure'.

ニュースでは『逝く』、近所の人とは『亡くなる』を使います。

逝く vs 死ぬ

Both mean death.

死ぬ is direct/biological/rude for people. 逝く is euphemistic/respectful.

虫が死ぬ。恩師が逝く。

逝く vs 逝去

Same kanji.

逝去 is a noun (or suru-verb) and is much more formal, used in official contexts.

逝去のお知らせ。

逝く vs 他界

Both are euphemisms.

他界 specifically refers to 'going to the other world'. 逝く is a more general 'departure'.

他界されました。

逝く vs 永眠

Both used in obituaries.

永眠 (eternal sleep) is a state; 逝く (departure) is an action.

永眠の地。

Sentence Patterns

[Person] は [Adverb] に逝きました。

祖父は安らかに逝きました。

[Adverb] して逝った [Noun]

若くして逝った天才作家。

[Person] は [Cause] で逝ってしまった。

彼は不慮の事故で逝ってしまった。

[Person] は [State] のまま逝った。

彼は微笑みを浮かべたまま逝った。

[Person] は [Legacy] を遺して逝った。

彼は多くの名曲を遺して逝った。

[Person] に見守られて逝く。

家族に見守られて逝くのは幸せだ。

[Person] は [Metaphor] へと逝った。

彼は悠久の彼方へと逝った。

[Person] は [Action] つつ逝った。

彼は祖国の平和を祈りつつ逝った。

Word Family

Nouns

逝去 Death/passing (formal noun).

急逝 Sudden death.

長逝 Passing away (literary).

Verbs

逝かせる To let someone pass away.

逝かれる To have someone pass away (honorific or suffering passive).

死 (Death)

葬式 (Funeral)

遺言 (Will/Last words)

墓 (Grave)

仏 (Buddha/The deceased)

How to Use It

frequency

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

Common Mistakes

Using 逝く for a dead cockroach. → 死ぬ (shinu)
逝く is reserved for humans to show respect. Using it for bugs sounds ridiculous.
Writing '学校に逝く' (Going to school). → 学校に行く
Using the 'death' kanji for a daily errand is a dark and confusing typo.
Using 逝く for your own current state. → N/A
You cannot 'have passed away' and still be talking. Use 'shinu' if you are being dramatic about being tired.
Using 逝く in a joyful, high-pitched voice. → Somber tone
The delivery must match the gravity of the word's meaning.
Using it for the Emperor. → 崩御する (hougyo suru)
Specific imperial honorifics are required for the Imperial Family.

Tips

Kanji Precision

Never confuse 逝 with 行. One is a trip to the store, the other is a trip to the afterlife.

Euphemisms

Embrace the Japanese love for euphemisms. 逝く makes you sound more empathetic and culturally aware.

Godan Conjugation

Remember it conjugates just like 'to go'. Itta, ikanai, ikimasu.

Showing Respect

Using 逝く for someone else's family member is a high sign of respect.

Tone Matters

The 'iku' for death is usually spoken with a lower pitch and more gravity than the 'iku' for going.

Learn the Noun

Learn '逝去' (seikyo) alongside '逝く' as they often appear together in news.

Literature Staple

Expect to see this word in the final chapters of many Japanese novels.

The Path Kanji

The radical 辶 means 'road'. Think of death as the final road.

Avoid Slang

Stay away from 'Itte yoshi' unless you want to be extremely offensive.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'i' in 'iku' as an 'individual' and the 'ku' as 'leaving'. The kanji looks like a person on a path (辶) who has 'broken' (折) their ties with the world.

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking into a bright light at the end of a long, peaceful road. They are 'going' (iku) but to a special place.

Word Web

Death Journey Respect Poetry Departure Peace Heaven Legacy

Challenge

Try to write a short three-sentence eulogy for a fictional character using '逝く' in the past tense, an adverb like 'yasuraka ni', and a destination like 'tengoku'.

Word Origin

The kanji 逝 (sei/iku) originated from Middle Chinese. The 'movement' radical 辶 indicates travel or departure, while the phonetic 折 (sei/setsu) provides the sound and originally meant 'to break.' Together, they represented a 'breaking away' from life.

Original meaning: To depart, to go away, to die.

Sino-Japanese (Kango origin for the kanji, Yamato Kotoba for the reading 'iku').

Cultural Context

Never use this word for someone who is still alive as a joke. It is strictly for actual or historical deaths. Avoid using it for animals unless you are speaking very emotionally about a pet to a close friend.

Similar to 'passed away' or 'departed' in English. Using 'died' in a funeral in the US can be seen as blunt, just like 'shinu' in Japan.

The phrase '巨星、逝く' (A giant star has passed) is a classic headline for the death of a major celebrity. Classic literature like 'Kokoro' by Natsume Soseki uses refined terms for death. The internet meme '逝ってよし' (Itte yoshi) from the early 2000s.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Funeral / Eulogy

安らかに逝かれました
先に逝った方々
天国へ逝く
惜しまれつつ逝った

News / Obituaries

～氏、逝く
急逝の報
自宅で逝った
療養中に逝く

Literature / Novels

静かに逝った
この世を逝く
星となって逝く
伝説となって逝く

History / Biographies

戦場で逝った
若くして逝った
異郷の地で逝く
志半ばで逝く

Family Discussions

眠るように逝った
苦しまずに逝った
おじいちゃんが逝った日
先に逝かないで

Conversation Starters

"有名な俳優が逝ったというニュースを見ましたか？ (Did you see the news that the famous actor passed away?)"

"彼は最期まで立派に生きて、逝きましたね。 (He lived grandly until the very end and then passed away, didn't he?)"

"先に逝ったペットの思い出を話してくれませんか？ (Would you tell me memories of your pet that passed away? *Note: Only for very close friends*)"

"安らかに逝くためには、何が大切だと思いますか？ (What do you think is important for passing away peacefully?)"

"彼は自分の作品を遺して逝きました。 (He left his works behind and passed away.)"

Journal Prompts

もし自分が逝く時、最後に誰に何を伝えたいですか？ (When you pass away, what do you want to say to whom at the end?)

「逝く」と「死ぬ」の言葉の響きの違いについてどう感じますか？ (How do you feel about the difference in the sound/nuance of 'iku' and 'shinu'?)

若くして逝った歴史上の人物で、誰が一番印象に残っていますか？ (Which historical figure who died young leaves the strongest impression on you?)

先に逝った大切な人へのメッセージを書いてください。 (Write a message to a loved one who has passed away before you.)

「安らかに逝く」とは、どのような状態だと思いますか？ (What kind of state do you think 'passing away peacefully' is?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is rare to use it for yourself in the future tense because it is a respectful term others use for you. However, in a poetic will or letter, you might say '私が逝った後は...' (After I have passed away...).

Yes, in modern Japanese it is almost always 'iku'. In poetry or song, you might occasionally hear 'yuku', which is a more classical/literary variant of the same word.

Generally, no. It's better to use '亡くなる' or '死ぬ'. However, if you want to be extremely sentimental and treat the pet like a human family member, you might use it, but it's non-standard.

逝った is a simple, respectful statement. 逝ってしまった adds a nuance of sadness, regret, or that the death was unexpected or too soon.

It is a euphemism that functions similarly to Keigo by showing respect, but it's not a formal 'Sonkeigo' verb like 'ossharu'. To make it fully honorific, you'd say '逝かれました'.

Type 'iku' and look through the conversion list for 逝く. You may need to type 'seikyo' (逝去) first to get the kanji if your IME doesn't show it for 'iku'.

Yes, often when a mentor or a hero dies a noble death. You'll hear the narrator or other characters say 'itta' with a somber tone.

No. It is strictly for living beings, primarily humans. Using it for a broken machine would be a joke or a very strange metaphor.

Yes, it uses the same kanji, but the meaning is a sarcastic and rude 'Go and die'. It's old internet slang and should be avoided in real life.

If you are reporting the death of a colleague, '逝去されました' is better. '逝きました' is slightly more personal/literary.