When someone passes away in Japanese, a common and respectful way to say it is 逝く (iku). This word literally means "to go" or "to pass."
It's important to remember that this is a more formal and polite way to talk about death, often used for people you respect or in formal situations. You might hear it in news reports or when speaking with elders.
While it uses the same pronunciation as 行く (iku - to go), the kanji 逝く specifically refers to passing away, so the context will make the meaning clear.
When someone passes away, you can use the verb 逝く (iku) as a respectful way to say 'to pass away' or 'to depart.' It's often used when talking about someone who has died, especially in formal or solemn contexts. While it shares the same pronunciation as 行く (iku), which means 'to go,' the kanji 逝く specifically carries the meaning of death. You'll often see this used in obituaries or when expressing condolences, as it's a more polite alternative to simpler terms for dying.
When discussing the topic of death in Japanese, particularly for a person of status or someone who has passed peacefully, the verb 逝く (iku) is often used. It's a more respectful and softer way to say 'to pass away' compared to 死ぬ (shinu), which is a more direct and sometimes stark term for 'to die'.
You'll frequently encounter 逝く in formal writing, news reports, or when expressing condolences. While both translate to 'to die' or 'to pass away', 逝く carries a nuance of a peaceful departure or a respectful acknowledgment of someone's passing, making it a more considerate choice in many social contexts.
§ Don't confuse it with 行く (iku)
This is the most common mistake. While both are pronounced 'iku', 逝く specifically means 'to pass away'. 行く (iku) is the general verb for 'to go'. Using 逝く when you mean to simply 'go' somewhere is incorrect and will sound very strange to a Japanese speaker. Always pay attention to the kanji!
彼は昨日逝きました。
- Meaning
- He passed away yesterday.
私は東京に行きます。
- Meaning
- I will go to Tokyo.
§ Overusing it in casual conversation
While 逝く is a polite way to say 'to pass away', it's still a formal and somewhat heavy word. It's used in serious contexts, like announcing someone's death or discussing it respectfully. You wouldn't use it for a pet or for trivial things. For casual situations or less formal contexts, other phrases are more appropriate.
When talking about a pet, you might use 亡くなる (nakunaru) or even simply 死ぬ (shinu) if speaking very casually among close friends, though 亡くなる is more common and gentle.
If someone is simply leaving, you would never use 逝く. Always use verbs like 行く (iku) or 出かける (dekakeru).
§ Using it for non-human subjects (incorrectly)
逝く is specifically for humans passing away. While you might hear it poetically used in very specific, often literary, contexts for things like 'dreams dying' or 'seasons passing', this is not common everyday usage. As a learner, stick to using 逝く for people.
彼の祖母が先月逝きました。
- Meaning
- His grandmother passed away last month. (Correct)
Instead of:
私の犬が逝きました。
- Meaning
- My dog passed away. (Less natural, 亡くなる is better)
While not strictly 'wrong' in the sense of being grammatically incorrect, it's not the most natural or common way to express a pet's passing. 亡くなる (nakunaru) is generally preferred for pets if you want to be polite.
§ Not understanding its politeness level
逝く is a respectful and somewhat formal term. It's often used in news announcements, formal obituaries, or when speaking to someone of higher status about a death. For more casual conversation among friends about a human passing, 亡くなる (nakunaru) is often a safer and more common choice, as it's polite but less formal than 逝く.
§ Similar words for 'to pass away'
When talking about someone passing away in Japanese, you have several options, and the choice often depends on the level of politeness and the specific nuance you want to convey. Let's look at how “逝く” (iku) fits in with other common expressions.
- Definition
- 逝く (iku): To pass away (polite expression).
“逝く” is a very polite and respectful way to say 'to pass away'. It's often used in formal situations, when expressing condolences, or when speaking about someone who has passed with a sense of reverence. It implies a peaceful departure.
§ Other common expressions
Here are some alternatives and when to use them:
亡く (naku): To die.
“亡く” is the most common and neutral term for 'to die'. It can be used in most situations without being overly formal or informal. It's a direct way to state that someone has died.
彼は去年亡くなった。 (He died last year.)
亡くなる (nakunaru): To die, to pass away.
This is essentially the same as “亡く” but with a slightly softer, more natural sound. It's very commonly used in everyday conversation. Think of it as a slightly gentler way to say 'died'.
おじいさんが亡くなった。 (Grandfather passed away.)
祓く (boukyou): To die, to pass away (formal/literary).
This is a more formal and somewhat literary term, often used in written contexts like obituaries or formal announcements. It carries a sense of solemnity and finality. You won't hear this as much in daily conversation.
復帰 (fukki): To pass away (very polite, Buddhist context).
While “復帰” can literally mean 'return', in a Buddhist context, it is a very respectful way to refer to someone's passing, particularly a priest or a highly revered individual. It implies a return to a higher state or to the cycle of reincarnation. This is much less common for general use.
お亡くなりになる (o-nakunari ni naru): To pass away (honorific).
This is the honorific form of “亡くなる” and is used to show utmost respect when talking about the death of someone of higher status or someone you deeply respect. This is very formal.
§ When to use “逝く”
You should use “逝く” when:
You want to express condolences in a formal or respectful manner.
You are speaking about someone who has passed away whom you respect deeply.
You want to convey a sense of peaceful passing rather than a simple 'dying'.
In written notices or formal announcements of someone's death, though “亡くなる” or “祓く” might also be used depending on the context.
In summary, “逝く” is a valuable word in your Japanese vocabulary for expressing profound respect and politeness when discussing death. While “亡くなる” is more generally applicable, “逝く” adds a layer of gentle reverence. Choose the word that best fits the social context and your relationship to the deceased.
Pronunciation Guide
- Don't confuse with '行く' (iku) which means 'to go'. While they share the same pronunciation, '逝く' is used specifically for passing away and has a more formal and respectful nuance.
Difficulty Rating
Kanji is common but might be less immediately recognized than simpler kanji.
Requires memorization of the kanji '逝'.
Pronunciation is straightforward ('iku').
Pronunciation is straightforward ('iku').
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
逝く is a more polite and respectful way to say 'to die' compared to 死ぬ (shinu). It's often used when talking about someone's passing, especially in formal or solemn contexts.
彼が静かに逝った。 (Kare ga shizuka ni itta.) - He passed away peacefully.
It's typically used for people, not for animals or plants, which would more commonly use 死ぬ (shinu).
祖母は昨年逝きました。 (Sobo wa sakunen ikimashita.) - My grandmother passed away last year.
逝く can be used with various particles depending on the nuance. For example, とともに (to tomo ni) can be used to express 'to pass away with'.
希望とともに逝く。 (Kibou to tomo ni iku.) - To pass away with hope.
When using 逝く, it's common to follow it with auxiliary verbs like ~た (ta) for past tense, or ~てしまう (te shimau) to express regret or completion.
彼は若くして逝ってしまった。 (Kare wa wakaku shite itte shimatta.) - He passed away at a young age (with a nuance of regret).
It's less common to use 逝く in casual conversation about someone's death; 死ぬ (shinu) or more euphemistic phrases like 亡くなる (nakunaru) are often preferred.
彼女は今朝早くに逝きました。 (Kanojo wa kesa hayaku ni ikimashita.) - She passed away early this morning.
Examples by Level
祖父は静かに逝きました。
My grandfather passed away peacefully.
彼は若くして逝ってしまいました。
He passed away at a young age.
多くの人々が災害で逝きました。
Many people passed away in the disaster.
安らかに逝かれることを願います。
I hope you rest in peace (literally: I hope you pass away peacefully).
彼女は苦しまずに逝ったと聞きました。
I heard she passed away without suffering.
友人の猫が先日逝きました。
My friend's cat passed away the other day.
戦争でたくさんの兵士が逝った。
Many soldiers passed away in the war.
父は昨年、病気で逝きました。
My father passed away last year from illness.
祖母は安らかに逝きました。
My grandmother passed away peacefully.
彼は若くして逝ってしまった。
He passed away young.
愛するペットが今朝、静かに逝きました。
My beloved pet passed away quietly this morning.
長い闘病の末、父は先月逝きました。
After a long struggle with illness, my father passed away last month.
多くの人が戦争で命を逝きました。
Many people lost their lives (passed away) in the war.
その老婦人は、家族に見守られながら逝きました。
The old woman passed away surrounded by her family.
彼女の祖父は、眠るように逝ったそうです。
They say her grandfather passed away in his sleep.
彼の才能は、彼が逝った後も語り継がれています。
His talent is still talked about even after he passed away.
祖父は静かに逝きました。
My grandfather passed away peacefully.
彼は若くして逝くことになりました。
He ended up passing away at a young age.
友人が事故で突然逝ってしまい、心が痛みます。
My friend passed away suddenly in an accident, and my heart aches.
多くの人々が彼の早すぎる死を悼みました。
Many people mourned his premature passing.
彼女は苦しむことなく逝ったと聞きました。
I heard she passed away without suffering.
愛するペットが逝ってしまい、寂しいです。
My beloved pet passed away, and I feel lonely.
歴史上の偉人が逝った場所を訪れました。
I visited the place where a great historical figure passed away.
彼は最後まで自分の信念を貫き、安らかに逝きました。
He held onto his beliefs until the very end and passed away peacefully.
先日、祖父が静かに逝きました。彼の人生は私たち家族の光でした。
My grandfather passed away peacefully the other day. His life was the light of our family.
「逝く」は「亡くなる」のより丁寧な表現です。
彼女は長年の闘病の末、安らかに逝かれました。心からご冥福をお祈りいたします。
After a long struggle with illness, she passed away peacefully. I sincerely pray for her soul.
尊敬語の「～られる」を伴って、相手への敬意を表しています。
幼くして逝ってしまった友人のことを思うと、今でも胸が締め付けられます。
Thinking about my friend who passed away young, my heart still aches.
「逝ってしまう」は、残念な気持ちを込めた表現です。
彼は多くの人々に惜しまれつつ、この世を逝きました。その功績は語り継がれるでしょう。
He left this world, mourned by many. His achievements will be remembered.
「この世を逝く」で「亡くなる」ことを婉曲的に表現しています。
最愛のペットが逝ってしまい、しばらくは何も手につきませんでした。
My beloved pet passed away, and for a while I couldn't do anything.
ペットにも「逝く」を使うことで、深い愛情や悲しみを表現できます。
祖母が逝ってから、もう十年が経ちました。時が経つのは早いものです。
Ten years have already passed since my grandmother passed away. Time flies.
時間の経過とともに、過去の出来事を回顧する際に使われます。
戦争で多くの尊い命が逝きました。二度とこのような悲劇が起こらないことを願います。
Many precious lives were lost in the war. I hope such a tragedy never happens again.
集団で多くの命が失われた場合にも使われます。
彼は自分の生涯を全うし、満足げに逝ったと聞きました。素晴らしい人生だったと思います。
I heard he lived a full life and passed away contentedly. I think it was a wonderful life.
「満足げに逝く」で、安らかな死を表現しています。
Often Confused With
Same pronunciation as 逝く, but means 'to go' in a general sense, not specifically 'to pass away'.
Direct and neutral verb for 'to die.' Less polite and more blunt than 逝く.
Common and polite verb for 'to die' or 'to pass away,' generally used in everyday speech.
Easily Confused
Many learners confuse 逝く (iku) with 行く (iku), which shares the same pronunciation and basic meaning of 'to go.' However, 逝く specifically refers to 'to pass away' and is a more polite and respectful way to speak about someone's death.
逝く (iku) implies 'to go' in the sense of departing from life, often used for humans. 行く (iku) is a general verb meaning 'to go' or 'to move' and can apply to anything.
彼が逝ってから一年が経ちました。 (Kare ga itte kara ichinen ga tachimashita.) (Hint: One year has passed since he passed away.)
死ぬ (shinu) also means 'to die,' but it is more direct and can sound harsh or blunt in certain contexts. Learners often use it interchangeably with 逝く, not realizing the nuance.
死ぬ is the neutral or direct verb for 'to die.' 逝く is a more euphemistic and polite way to say 'to pass away' or 'to die,' showing respect for the deceased and their family.
祖父は安らかに逝きました。 (Sofu wa yasukaraka ni ikimashita.) (Hint: My grandfather passed away peacefully.)
亡くなる (nakunaru) is another common and polite way to say 'to die,' often causing confusion with 逝く and 死ぬ.
亡くなる is generally the most common and polite way to say 'to die' or 'to pass away' in everyday conversation. 逝く has a slightly more formal or literary nuance, while 死ぬ is direct.
彼の母は去年亡くなりました。 (Kare no haha wa kyonen nakunarimashita.) (Hint: His mother passed away last year.)
旅立つ (tabidatsu) means 'to depart on a journey,' but it can also be used as a euphemism for 'to die,' which can be confusing for learners expecting a direct translation.
While literally meaning 'to depart on a journey,' 旅立つ can metaphorically refer to 'passing away,' especially in poetic or respectful contexts, similar to how 'to embark on a final journey' might be used in English. 逝く is more explicitly about dying.
彼女は若くして旅立ちました。 (Kanojo wa wakaku shite tabidachimashita.) (Hint: She passed away at a young age.)
永眠する (eimin suru) means 'to fall into eternal sleep,' which is clearly a euphemism for death. Learners might struggle with when to use this more poetic term versus others.
永眠する is a very polite and often religious or poetic expression meaning 'to die' or 'to pass away,' emphasizing the concept of eternal rest. 逝く is also polite but generally less ornate than 永眠する.
彼は安らかに永眠しました。 (Kare wa yasukaraka ni eimin shimashita.) (Hint: He peacefully passed into eternal sleep.)
Word Family
Nouns
How to Use It
「逝く」 (iku) is a polite and somewhat euphemistic way to say 'to pass away' or 'to die.' It's often used in formal contexts, when speaking about someone else's death, or when you want to soften the impact of the word 'die' (死ぬ - shinu). It literally means 'to go' or 'to depart,' carrying a nuance of a peaceful or dignified passing. You'll often see it in obituaries or when offering condolences. While polite, it's not typically used for animals or plants; for those, 死ぬ (shinu) is generally used.
A common mistake is using 「逝く」 directly for oneself, as in saying 'I will pass away.' This sounds unnatural and can be seen as overly dramatic. When speaking about one's own death, it's more common to use 死ぬ (shinu) or a more indirect phrase. Another mistake is using it for things that aren't living beings, like 'the car passed away.' Also, while polite, it's generally not used in casual conversation among close friends when discussing a death; in such cases, 死ぬ (shinu) or other more informal expressions are often preferred, depending on the context and relationship.
Tips
Focus on the nuance
While 逝く (iku) also means 'to go,' it carries a specific nuance of 'passing away' or 'dying.' It's a more polite and softer way to express death compared to simply 死ぬ (shinu), which is more direct. Pay attention to the context to differentiate its meaning.
Do not confuse with 行く
Although pronounced the same (iku), 逝く uses a different kanji. 行く (iku) means 'to go' in a general sense. Always be mindful of the kanji used to avoid misunderstanding.
Polite expression for death
In Japanese culture, direct discussions about death are often avoided. 逝く is a good example of how the language provides more polite or indirect ways to refer to sensitive topics. It shows respect for the deceased and their family.
Learn common phrases
You'll often hear 逝く in phrases like 逝去する (seikyo suru - to pass away, formal) or 逝かれる (ikareru - to pass away, honorific passive). Learning these common verb conjugations will help you recognize it in different situations.
Consider literary use
逝く can also appear in literature or poetry, often to convey a sense of peaceful or dignified departure. It adds a certain emotional depth. Recognizing it in these contexts will enhance your reading comprehension.
Practice reading obituaries
Obituaries and eulogies often use 逝く or its more formal variations. Reading these can be a practical way to see the word in use and understand its appropriate context.
Avoid using it for animals
While 逝く is for humans, you generally wouldn't use it for animals. For pets, 亡くなる (nakunaru - to pass away) or 死ぬ (shinu - to die) are more common. Be careful with application to living things.
Listen to news reports
When news reports discuss the passing of public figures, they often employ more polite terms like 逝く. Pay attention to how it's used in different news contexts for real-world exposure.
Part of bereavement vocabulary
逝く is part of a broader set of vocabulary related to death and funerals in Japan. Understanding these terms helps you navigate discussions about loss with cultural sensitivity.
Write example sentences
Create your own example sentences using 逝く to solidify your understanding. For instance: 祖父が安らかに逝きました。(My grandfather passed away peacefully.) This helps with active recall.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'Eel' (い - i) that 'Coo's (く - ku) softly as it swims 'iku' (逝く) into the afterlife. This helps you remember the pronunciation while associating it with a gentle passing.
Visual Association
Visualize a tranquil river with a gentle current, representing the smooth transition of 'passing away'. As you picture this, imagine the kanji 逝く softly fading into the water, emphasizing the quiet and polite nature of the word. The radical 歹 (gatsu) on the left means 'death, bad', and the radical 殳 (hitsu) on the right means 'strike, beat', but here it gives the sound 'iku'. Focus on the overall visual of a peaceful departure rather than the individual radicals for this specific word.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write three sentences using 逝く (iku) in different contexts, focusing on situations where a polite expression for 'passing away' is appropriate. For instance, describe someone's pet passing peacefully, or a revered elder's departure. This will help you understand its nuance and when to use it over other words like 死ぬ (shinu) or 亡くなる (nakunaru).
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Expressing condolences to someone who has lost a loved one.
- お悔やみ申し上げます。(Please accept my condolences.)
- 心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。(My deepest condolences.)
- 安らかにお逝きになりました。(They passed away peacefully.)
Talking about a historical figure or a respected elder who has died.
- 〇〇氏がお逝きになりました。(Mr./Ms. OOO has passed away.)
- 偉大な人物がお逝きになった。(A great person has passed away.)
- 先人たちは安らかにお逝きになった。(Our predecessors passed away peacefully.)
Discussing the passing of a pet in a gentle way.
- かわいがっていたペットがお逝きになりました。(My beloved pet passed away.)
- 虹の橋を渡ってお逝きになった。(They crossed the rainbow bridge.)
- 安らかに眠りにつきました。(They fell into a peaceful sleep.)
Reading news or articles about someone's death.
- 〇〇さんが逝去されました。(Mr./Ms. OOO has passed away (formal).)
- 訃報に接し、心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。(Upon hearing the sad news, I offer my deepest condolences.)
- ご逝去を悼み、心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。(I mourn their passing and offer my deepest condolences.)
Reflecting on life and death in a philosophical way.
- 人はいつかはお逝きになる。(Everyone passes away someday.)
- 生と死は隣り合わせだ。(Life and death are side by side.)
- 人生の終わりは安らかなものであってほしい。(I hope the end of life is peaceful.)
Conversation Starters
"お悔やみの言葉をどのように伝えますか？(How do you convey your condolences?)"
"もし大切な人がお逝きになったら、どうしますか？(What would you do if a loved one passed away?)"
"「逝く」と「死ぬ」の違いは何ですか？(What's the difference between "iku" and "shinu"?)"
"日本の文化では、死についてどのように話しますか？(How do you talk about death in Japanese culture?)"
"誰かの死を悼むとき、どのような言葉を使いますか？(What words do you use when mourning someone's death?)"
Journal Prompts
大切な人がお逝きになった時のことを書いてみましょう。(Write about a time when a loved one passed away.)
もし自分が安らかにお逝きになるなら、どのような状況がいいですか？(If you were to pass away peacefully, what kind of situation would you prefer?)
日本の葬儀について調べ、感想を書いてみましょう。(Research Japanese funerals and write your thoughts.)
死生観について、自分の考えをまとめてみましょう。(Summarize your thoughts on life and death.)
お逝きになった人へのメッセージを書いてみましょう。(Write a message to someone who has passed away.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth 逝く and 死ぬ mean 'to die'. However, 逝く is a much more polite and respectful way to say it, often used when referring to someone's passing, especially in formal contexts or when expressing condolences. 死ぬ is the more direct, common, and sometimes blunt term.
While 逝く is typically reserved for people to show respect, you might occasionally hear it used metaphorically or very respectfully for a beloved pet, but it's not standard. For animals, the more common and natural word is 死ぬ (shinu).
No, it's not an everyday conversational word. You'll primarily encounter 逝く in written contexts, news reports about someone's death, or when expressing formal condolences. In casual conversation, people usually opt for euphemisms or more common phrases.
逝く is a Godan verb (Class 1 verb). Here are some common conjugations:
Present/Dictionary form: 逝く (iku)
Past form: 逝った (itta)
Te-form: 逝って (itte)
Negative form: 逝かない (ikanai)
Polite form (masu): 逝きます (ikimasu)
Yes, there are several euphemisms and polite expressions. Some common ones include:
亡くなる (nakunaru): This is a very common and polite way to say 'to pass away' or 'to die'.
他界する (takai suru): Literally 'to go to another world', a formal and respectful term.
永眠する (eimin suru): Literally 'to sleep eternally', a poetic and respectful term.
Both 逝く and 亡くなる are polite. 亡くなる is more widely used and versatile for expressing someone's passing politely. 逝く often carries a slightly more solemn or literary nuance, sometimes implying a journey or departure. In many situations, they can be interchangeable, but 亡くなる is generally a safer and more common choice for polite speech.
While the primary meaning of 逝く is 'to pass away', it shares the same kanji as the verb 行く (iku), which means 'to go'. However, when written as 逝く, the meaning is almost exclusively related to death or passing on. The specific kanji (逝) makes the meaning clear.
Yes, you might encounter 逝く in religious contexts, particularly Buddhism, as it can imply a journey to the next life or a spiritual departure. It fits well with the idea of a soul moving on.
You could say:
彼は逝きました。(Kare wa ikimashita.) - 'He passed away.' (Polite)
彼は先月逝去されました。(Kare wa sengetsu seikyo saremashita.) - 'He passed away last month.' (Very formal, using the honorific noun 逝去 'seikyo' and passive form of 'to do' for extreme politeness).
The most common and formal noun form related to 逝く is 逝去 (seikyo), which means 'death' or 'passing away' (honorific). For example, 逝去の報 (seikyo no hou) means 'news of someone's passing'.
Test Yourself 108 questions
おじいさんが昨日、静かに___。
The sentence is about an elderly person passing away. '逝く' (iku) is a polite way to say 'to pass away'. '逝った' is the past tense form.
彼女のペットが先月、天国へ___。
Here, '逝った' (itta) is used to describe a pet passing away, indicating a respectful and gentle way of expressing death.
その俳優は若くしてこの世を___。
'逝った' (itta) is used here to describe an actor passing away young, a polite and respectful term for death.
彼の祖母は、安らかに___。
The sentence describes someone's grandmother passing away peacefully. '逝った' (itta) is the appropriate polite verb for 'passed away'.
多くの人が、偉大な指導者の死を悼み、彼が___と知った。
This sentence refers to a great leader's death. '逝った' (itta) is used to convey that he passed away, maintaining a respectful tone.
彼は長い人生を全うし、静かに___。
The sentence describes someone completing a long life and passing away peacefully. '逝った' (itta) is the correct polite verb for 'passed away'.
Write a short sentence using 「ありがとう」 (arigatou) to thank someone.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ありがとうございます。
Write your name in Japanese using hiragana. (e.g., Emily -> エミリー, or if you know the hiragana for your name, use that)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の名前はエミリーです。
Write a simple sentence in Japanese introducing yourself, saying 'I am [your name]'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私はエミリーです。
What is 'これ' (kore) referring to in the sentences?
Read this passage:
これはペンです。これは本です。これはかばんです。
What is 'これ' (kore) referring to in the sentences?
「これ」 (kore) means 'this'.
「これ」 (kore) means 'this'.
What does 「お元気ですか」 (o-genki desu ka) mean?
Read this passage:
おはようございます。お元気ですか。はい、元気です。
What does 「お元気ですか」 (o-genki desu ka) mean?
「お元気ですか」 (o-genki desu ka) is a common greeting that means 'How are you?'.
「お元気ですか」 (o-genki desu ka) is a common greeting that means 'How are you?'.
What is the speaker saying?
Read this passage:
さようなら。また明日。
What is the speaker saying?
「さようなら」 (sayounara) means 'goodbye' and 「また明日」 (mata ashita) means 'see you tomorrow'.
「さようなら」 (sayounara) means 'goodbye' and 「また明日」 (mata ashita) means 'see you tomorrow'.
This sentence means 'My grandfather passed away.' The particles connect the words logically.
This sentence means 'Her dog passed away.' The particles show possession and the subject.
This sentence means 'He passed away yesterday.' The word '昨日' (yesterday) indicates when the event occurred.
おばあさんは先月静かに___。
「逝く」は「死ぬ」の丁寧な表現です。この文脈では敬意を込めて「逝った」が適切です。'Went' (行った) and 'died' (死んだ) are not polite enough. 'Passed away' (亡くなった) is also polite but '逝く' is an option here.
彼は若くしてこの世を___。
「逝く」は「この世を去る」という意味で、敬意を込めた表現です。'Left' (去った) is a bit more direct. 'Finished' (終わった) and 'crossed' (渡った) are not suitable in this context.
祖父は安らかに___。
「逝く」は「安らかに死ぬ」という意味合いで使われます。'Slept' (眠った) and 'rested' (休んだ) suggest temporary states. 'Disappeared' (消えた) is too literal.
彼女は苦しまずに___と言われています。
「逝く」は「苦しまずに亡くなる」という状況でよく使われる丁寧な表現です。'Escaped' (逃げた), 'was lost' (失われた), and 'finished' (終わった) are not appropriate.
友人の猫が先日___と聞きました。
ペットにも「逝く」を使うことがあります。丁寧な気持ちを込めて「逝った」が使われます。'Went' (行った) and 'died' (死んだ) are less polite. 'Passed away' (亡くなった) is also possible but '逝く' works here.
多くの偉人がこの世を___。
「逝く」は偉大な人物の死に対しても使われる丁寧な表現です。'Left behind' (残した) means to leave something. 'Left' (去った) is less formal. 'Disappeared' (消えた) is incorrect.
Write a short sentence using 「逝く」 to politely say someone passed away. Imagine you are writing a condolence message.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
お祖父様が逝かれたと聞き、大変残念に思います。心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。
You are explaining to a friend that a pet has passed away, using polite Japanese. Include the word 「逝く」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の大切なペットが先日、静かに逝きました。とても寂しいです。
Imagine you are writing a newspaper article about a famous person who has passed away. Write a headline that includes 「逝く」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
著名な作家、静かに逝く。
この文章で、祖母は何歳で亡くなりましたか？
Read this passage:
先日、私の祖母が静かに逝きました。享年90歳でした。家族みんなで、祖母の思い出を語り合いました。
この文章で、祖母は何歳で亡くなりましたか？
文章に「享年90歳でした」とあります。
文章に「享年90歳でした」とあります。
何が逝ってしまいましたか？
Read this passage:
愛されていた地域の猫が、病気で逝ってしまいました。多くの人が悲しんでいます。
何が逝ってしまいましたか？
文章に「地域の猫が、病気で逝ってしまいました」とあります。
文章に「地域の猫が、病気で逝ってしまいました」とあります。
この人はどのように亡くなりましたか？
Read this passage:
彼は若くして逝きましたが、その功績は今も語り継がれています。多くの人に影響を与えました。
この人はどのように亡くなりましたか？
文章に「彼は若くして逝きましたが」とあります。
文章に「彼は若くして逝きましたが」とあります。
This sentence means 'My grandfather passed away last year.' The particles connect the words in the correct order.
This sentence means 'She passed away peacefully.' The adverb '静かに' (quietly) modifies the verb '逝った' (passed away).
This sentence means 'He passed away in his hometown.' The particle 'で' indicates the location where the action took place.
祖父は昨年静かに___。
祖父 (grandfather) のような身内に対しては、「逝く」はやや丁寧すぎる場合がありますが、文脈によっては使われます。ここでは「静かに」という表現と合わせて、穏やかな「逝く」が自然です。
彼は家族に見守られながら___。
「見守られながら」という表現は、故人への敬意や愛情を表すため、「逝く」が適切です。
多くの人々が、その偉大な芸術家の死を惜しみ___。
この文脈では「逝く」が使われ、その死を惜しむという感情と合わさり、より丁寧な表現となります。
若い命が突然___のは、とても悲しいことだ。
「若い命」という表現は、故人への思いやりが感じられるため、「逝く」がより適切な選択です。
病気で苦しんでいた友人が、ついに安らかに___。
「安らかに」という言葉が添えられているため、「逝く」が自然な表現です。穏やかな終焉を意味します。
彼が___ことは、私にとって大きな喪失です。
故人に対する敬意や、失ったことへの悲しみが「逝く」という言葉によって表されます。
Grandfather passed away quietly last year.
Many people shed tears at the sad news.
I heard he passed away peacefully.
Read this aloud:
彼の家族は彼が逝ったことを受け入れています。
Focus: 逝った (itta)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
おばあさんは先日、静かに逝かれました。
Focus: 逝かれました (ikaremashita)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
私たちは彼の逝去を悼んでいます。
Focus: 逝去 (seikyo)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence using 「逝く」 to politely say someone passed away. Imagine you are writing a condolence message.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼が逝ってしまわれたと聞き、大変残念です。 (I am very sorry to hear that he has passed away.)
You are writing a short news article about a famous person's death. Use 「逝く」 in your article.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
本日、有名な歌手が70歳で逝かれました。 (Today, a famous singer passed away at the age of 70.)
Describe a situation where someone might use 「逝く」 instead of 「死ぬ」. Explain why they would choose this word.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
家族や親しい友人の訃報を伝える際、相手に敬意を示し、悲しみを和らげるために「逝く」を使います。「死ぬ」よりも丁寧で、柔らかい表現です。 (When conveying the news of the death of a family member or close friend, '逝く' is used to show respect to the other person and to soften the sadness. It is a more polite and gentle expression than '死ぬ'.)
この文脈で「逝く」が使われている理由として最も適切なものはどれですか？
Read this passage:
先日、私の祖父が安らかに逝きました。享年90歳でした。家族みんなで最期を看取りました。
この文脈で「逝く」が使われている理由として最も適切なものはどれですか？
「逝く」は「死ぬ」の丁寧な表現として使われます。
「逝く」は「死ぬ」の丁寧な表現として使われます。
この見出しから受ける印象として正しいものを一つ選びなさい。
Read this passage:
ニュースで「偉大な芸術家が静かに逝かれました」という見出しを見ました。この見出しから、どのような印象を受けますか？
この見出しから受ける印象として正しいものを一つ選びなさい。
「静かに逝かれた」という表現は、穏やかな最期を暗示します。
「静かに逝かれた」という表現は、穏やかな最期を暗示します。
この状況で、おばあさんにどのような言葉をかけるのが適切ですか？
Read this passage:
おじいさんが逝ってしまって、おばあさんはとても寂しがっています。お悔やみの言葉をかけたいのですが、何と言えばいいでしょうか。
この状況で、おばあさんにどのような言葉をかけるのが適切ですか？
「心よりお悔やみ申し上げます」は、お悔やみの際に使われる丁寧な定型句です。
「心よりお悔やみ申し上げます」は、お悔やみの際に使われる丁寧な定型句です。
祖父は静かに庭で___ました。(My grandfather passed away peacefully in the garden.)
「逝く」is a polite and softer way to say 'to pass away,' suitable for formal or respectful contexts. 「亡くなる」is also polite, but 「逝く」often implies a more peaceful or natural passing. 「生きる」means 'to live,' and 「死ぬ」is a more direct and less polite 'to die.'
彼女の父は昨年、安らかに___ました。(Her father passed away peacefully last year.)
Here, 「逝かれました」uses the honorific passive form, adding an extra layer of respect when speaking about someone else's family member passing away. 「亡くなられました」is also polite but 「逝く」emphasizes a peaceful passing. 「死なれました」is grammatically possible but too direct and impolite, while 「生きられました」means 'was lived'.
多くの人々が、その偉大な芸術家が___ことを惜しんだ。(Many people mourned the passing of the great artist.)
In this context, 「逝った」is used to respectfully refer to the artist's passing, conveying a sense of loss and reverence. 「亡くなった」is also acceptable but 「逝く」often carries a more literary or dignified nuance. 「死んだ」is too blunt for a great artist. 「生きた」means 'lived.'
彼の病気は重く、ついに___に至った。(His illness was severe, and eventually led to his passing.)
「逝去 (せいきょ)」is a formal noun meaning 'passing away' or 'demise,' specifically used to refer to someone's death in a respectful way, especially in written form or formal speech. 「死」is too blunt. 「死ぬこと」and 「亡くなること」are less formal nominalizations.
彼女は愛する家族に見守られながら、静かに息を___。(She quietly breathed her last, surrounded by her loving family.)
This question tests a related idiom. 「息を引き取る」is a common, somewhat poetic expression meaning 'to breathe one's last' or 'to pass away.' It's often used to describe a peaceful or natural passing. While 「逝った」could be used, the idiom is more fitting here. The options are tricky as 「止めた」and 「絶えた」can mean 'stopped' or 'ceased,' but not in this specific context for life. 「亡くなった」is generally 'passed away' but less idiomatic here.
戦争で多くの命が___。(Many lives were lost in the war.)
While 「逝った」can refer to passing away, in the context of 'lives lost' due to war, 「失われた」('were lost') is the most appropriate and common expression. It conveys the tragedy and the sense of loss more directly. 「亡くなった」is generally about individual people passing, and 「死んだ」is too direct. 「逝った」is also possible but less common than 「失われた」for this specific phrase.
Choose the most polite way to say someone 'passed away' in Japanese.
「逝く」 (iku) is the most respectful and formal way to express 'to pass away,' often used in condolences or formal writing. While 「亡くなる」 (nakunaru) is also polite, 「逝く」 carries a slightly more solemn and profound nuance.
Which sentence uses '逝く' appropriately?
「逝く」 is specifically used for someone passing away. The other options use '行く' (iku - to go) which sounds the same but has a different kanji and meaning. The nuance of '逝く' in '彼は病気で逝くそうです' implies he is going to pass away, which is also correct, but the politeness level is higher in the first option for expressing an event that already occurred.
When offering condolences, which word is most appropriate to describe the deceased's departure?
「逝去」 (seikyo) is a very formal and respectful noun meaning 'death' or 'passing away,' often used in obituaries or formal condolences. While '旅立つ' (tabidatsu) means 'to depart' and can be used poetically for death, and '永眠' (eimin) means 'eternal sleep,' '逝去' is the most direct and widely understood formal term in this context. '亡くなる' (nakunaru) is a verb meaning 'to pass away' and is also polite, but '逝去' is the noun form for the event itself.
「逝く」 can be used interchangeably with 「行く」 (to go) in all contexts.
False. While both are pronounced 'iku,' 「逝く」 specifically means 'to pass away' and carries a strong sense of respect and solemnity. 「行く」 means 'to go' in a general sense. Using them interchangeably would lead to misunderstandings or inappropriate expressions.
Using 「逝く」 when talking about a person's death is generally considered more polite than 「死ぬ」.
True. 「逝く」 is a highly polite and respectful verb for 'to pass away,' often used in formal situations or when expressing condolences. 「死ぬ」 (shinu) is a direct and blunt term for 'to die' and can be considered impolite or harsh in many social contexts.
「逝く」 is a common word to describe animals dying.
False. 「逝く」 is reserved for humans, specifically in a respectful and polite context when referring to their passing. For animals, words like 「死ぬ」 (shinu) or 「亡くなる」 (nakunaru) are more commonly used, depending on the level of formality and personal connection.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 祖父は穏やかに昨日___。
「逝く」 is a very polite and respectful way to say 'pass away,' often used for a deceased person, especially when speaking of someone beloved. While 「亡くなりました」 is also polite, 「逝きました」 carries a deeper sense of peaceful passing.
Which sentence uses 「逝く」 correctly and most naturally?
「逝く」 can be used in various contexts to politely express someone passing away, whether it's a person or even a beloved pet. It emphasizes a departure or transition.
When referring to a respected leader's passing, which verb is most fitting?
「逝く」 is highly respectful and often used for people of high social standing or those who are deeply revered, making it the most fitting choice for a respected leader.
「逝く」 can be used when talking about someone's passing in a very casual conversation with close friends.
「逝く」 is a formal and very polite expression. It's not typically used in casual conversation, even with close friends. In such cases, 「亡くなる」 or even 「死ぬ」 (depending on context and relationship) might be more common.
The nuance of 「逝く」 suggests a more peaceful or honorable passing compared to 「死ぬ」.
Yes, 「逝く」 often implies a more serene, dignified, or even fated passing, rather than just the biological cessation of life that 「死ぬ」 conveys.
You would use 「逝く」 to describe the passing of a fictional character in a children's story without any particular emotional weight.
「逝く」 carries significant emotional and respectful weight. For a fictional character in a children's story without this particular emphasis, a simpler term like 「死ぬ」 or 「いなくなる」 (disappear) would be more appropriate.
Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about showing respect to an elderly person who has passed away, using the word '逝く'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先日、長年地域に貢献されてきた方が逝かれました。私たちは彼の功績を称え、深い敬意を表します。彼の思い出は、いつまでも私たちの心に生き続けるでしょう。
Imagine you are writing a condolence letter. Draft a sentence using '逝く' to express sympathy to a close friend who recently lost a family member.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この度、お父様が逝かれたとのこと、心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。大変お辛いでしょうが、どうかご無理なさらないでください。
Describe a historical figure's passing using '逝く' in a formal context.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
明治の偉人、田中氏が逝かれました。彼の逝去は、当時の日本社会に大きな影響を与え、その功績は現代にも語り継がれています。
この文章から読み取れる、多くの人にとっての理想的な最期とはどのようなものですか？
Read this passage:
人生の終盤において、多くの人々は自身の生きた証を残そうと努力します。愛する家族に囲まれ、安らかに逝くことは、多くの人にとって理想的な最期と言えるでしょう。しかし、予期せぬ形で逝く者も少なくありません。
この文章から読み取れる、多くの人にとっての理想的な最期とはどのようなものですか？
文章中に「愛する家族に囲まれ、安らかに逝くことは、多くの人にとって理想的な最期と言えるでしょう」と明記されています。
文章中に「愛する家族に囲まれ、安らかに逝くことは、多くの人にとって理想的な最期と言えるでしょう」と明記されています。
この作家の逝去が文学界にとって「大きな損失」である理由として、文章中で述べられていることは何ですか？
Read this passage:
著名な作家が昨晩、静かに逝かれました。彼の作品は、長年にわたり多くの読者に感動と示唆を与え続けてきました。彼の逝去は、文学界にとって大きな損失であり、その功績は未来永劫語り継がれることでしょう。
この作家の逝去が文学界にとって「大きな損失」である理由として、文章中で述べられていることは何ですか？
「彼の作品は、長年にわたり多くの読者に感動と示唆を与え続けてきました。彼の逝去は、文学界にとって大きな損失であり」と記述されています。
「彼の作品は、長年にわたり多くの読者に感動と示唆を与え続けてきました。彼の逝去は、文学界にとって大きな損失であり」と記述されています。
日本人が「逝く」という言葉に込める独特の感情には、どのような意味合いが含まれていますか？
Read this passage:
古来より、日本人は死生観において「逝く」という言葉に独特の感情を込めてきました。それは単なる肉体の終わりを意味するだけでなく、魂の旅立ちや、残された者たちへの影響をも含意しています。特に、高潔な人物が逝く際には、深い悲しみとともに尊敬の念が捧げられます。
日本人が「逝く」という言葉に込める独特の感情には、どのような意味合いが含まれていますか？
「それは単なる肉体の終わりを意味するだけでなく、魂の旅立ちや、残された者たちへの影響をも含意しています」と説明されています。
「それは単なる肉体の終わりを意味するだけでなく、魂の旅立ちや、残された者たちへの影響をも含意しています」と説明されています。
This sentence means 'My grandfather passed away peacefully.' The subject comes first, followed by the adverb and then the verb.
This translates to 'His achievements will be remembered forever.' The possessive phrase '彼の功績' (his achievements) is followed by the particle 'は', then the adverb '永遠に' (forever) and finally the verb phrase '語り継がれるだろう' (will be remembered).
This sentence asks, 'What did he think at the end of his life?' The temporal phrase '人生の最後に' (at the end of his life) starts the sentence, followed by the subject '彼は' (he), the interrogative '何を' (what), and the verb phrase '思ったのだろうか' (wondered/thought).
彼の祖父は安らかに___ことを願う。
「逝かれる」は「逝く」の尊敬語で、目上の人が亡くなった際に用いられる非常に丁寧な表現です。ここでは「祖父」に対して敬意を表すため、「逝かれた」が最も適切です。
多くの苦難を乗り越え、ついに彼は静かに___。
「逝く」は「死ぬ」の婉曲な表現であり、特に静かに、安らかに亡くなったというニュアンスを含みます。この文脈では「静かに」という言葉と相性が良く、感情のこもった表現となります。
伝説的な歌手が___との報に、ファンは深い悲しみに暮れた。
「逝去」は「逝く」の漢語表現で、特に有名人や目上の人が亡くなったことを伝える際に用いられる、非常に格式高い表現です。ニュースなどでよく使われます。
あの偉大な作家がもうこの世にはいないと思うと、寂しい気持ちになる。本当に___のが早すぎた。
「逝ってしまわれた」は「逝く」の尊敬語に完了・残念のニュアンスを持つ「～てしまう」が付いた形です。偉大な作家への敬意と、もう会えないという残念な気持ちが込められています。
彼女の最愛の猫は、家族に見守られながら安らかに___。
「逝く」は人間だけでなく、ペットなどの生き物にも使うことができます。特に「安らかに」という言葉が、穏やかな最期を連想させ、「逝く」の持つ婉曲的で優しいニュアンスと合致します。
彼の突然の___は、多くの人々に衝撃を与えた。
「逝去」は「逝く」の漢語表現であり、特に「突然の」という修飾語と共に使うことで、公的な場面やニュースなどで用いられる、丁寧かつ客観的な表現となります。一般的に尊敬の念を込めて使われます。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼の祖父は先週、静かに___。
「逝く」は「死ぬ」の丁寧な表現で、特に目上の人に対して使われます。選択肢の中で最も敬意を表すのは「逝かれました」です。
文脈に最も合う表現を選びなさい：偉大な芸術家が昨日___。
「逝く」の尊敬語である「お逝きになりました」は、特に敬意を表すべき人物に対して使われる非常に丁寧な表現です。この文脈では最も適切です。
次のうち、「逝く」を最も適切に用いている文はどれですか？
「逝く」は主に人に対して使い、特に丁寧さや敬意を表す際に用いられます。「逝かれました」は尊敬語として適切です。他の選択肢は丁寧さに欠けるか、動物には不自然です。
「逝く」は「死ぬ」よりもカジュアルな表現である。
「逝く」は「死ぬ」よりも丁寧な、あるいは婉曲な表現であり、カジュアルではありません。
「逝く」は、親しい友人や家族の死を表現する際に、敬意を込めて使うことができる。
「逝く」は、親しい間柄であっても、故人への敬意や哀悼の意を表すために使われることがあります。特に公の場や書き言葉で用いられます。
「逝く」は、動物が死んだ場合にも適切に使うことができる。
「逝く」は基本的に人間の死に対して使われる言葉であり、動物の死には通常「死ぬ」や「亡くなる」などが使われます。
The speaker is talking about their grandfather's passing.
The sentence mentions someone passing away peacefully in their hometown.
Listen for information about a friend's pet passing away due to old age.
Read this aloud:
祖母が昨晩、静かに逝きました。
Focus: しずかに逝きました (shizukani ikimashita)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
多くの人々に見守られ、彼は安らかに逝った。
Focus: 安らかに逝った (yasukara ni itta)
You said:
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愛する家族に見送られ、彼女は幸せな生涯を閉じて逝きました。
Focus: 生涯を閉じて逝きました (shōgai o tojite ikimashita)
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This sentence means 'Even after he passed away, his achievements are still being told.' The particle 'が' marks '彼' as the subject. '逝った' is the past tense of '逝く'. '後' means 'after'. 'も' emphasizes 'even'. 'の' indicates possession. '功績' means 'achievements'. 'は' marks '功績' as the topic. '語り継がれて' is the passive form of '語り継ぐ' (to pass down stories). 'いる' indicates a continuing state.
This sentence translates to 'I hear that his father passed away peacefully.' '彼 の 父' means 'his father'. 'は' marks '父' as the topic. '安らか に' means 'peacefully'. '逝った' is the past tense of '逝く'. 'と 聞いている' means 'I hear that...'.
This sentence means 'My grandmother passed away quietly while being watched over by her family.' '祖母' means 'grandmother'. 'は' marks '祖母' as the topic. '家族 に 見守られ ながら' means 'while being watched over by her family'. '静か に' means 'quietly'. '逝った' is the past tense of '逝く'.
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Focus on the nuance
While 逝く (iku) also means 'to go,' it carries a specific nuance of 'passing away' or 'dying.' It's a more polite and softer way to express death compared to simply 死ぬ (shinu), which is more direct. Pay attention to the context to differentiate its meaning.
Do not confuse with 行く
Although pronounced the same (iku), 逝く uses a different kanji. 行く (iku) means 'to go' in a general sense. Always be mindful of the kanji used to avoid misunderstanding.
Polite expression for death
In Japanese culture, direct discussions about death are often avoided. 逝く is a good example of how the language provides more polite or indirect ways to refer to sensitive topics. It shows respect for the deceased and their family.
Learn common phrases
You'll often hear 逝く in phrases like 逝去する (seikyo suru - to pass away, formal) or 逝かれる (ikareru - to pass away, honorific passive). Learning these common verb conjugations will help you recognize it in different situations.
Example
彼は安らかに逝きました。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
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.
