Translation and Meaning of: 故人 - kojin

The Japanese word 故人[こじん] carries a deep and culturally sensitive meaning. If you are looking to understand its usage, translation, or context, this article explores everything clearly and precisely. Here, we will unveil everything from the basic meaning to cultural nuances, helping students and curious individuals understand this expression with respect and accuracy. Suki Nihongo, as the best online Japanese dictionary, offers this detailed analysis for your learning.

Meaning and translation of 故人 [こじん] (kojin): "deceased person" or "late person."

故人 [こじん] is a word that refers to someone who has ed away, and can be translated as "deceased" or "the departed." Unlike more informal , it carries a respectful and formal tone, often used in contexts such as obituaries, memorial ceremonies, or conversations about beloved ones who have left us. The choice of this vocabulary reflects the importance that Japanese culture places on the delicate treatment of death.

It is worth noting that 故人 is not used to describe recent deaths in informal everyday contexts. Its use is more linked to retrospective references or solemn speeches. For example, in a tribute speech to a former teacher, it would be appropriate to say "故人の教え" (the teachings of the deceased), while in a casual conversation, other expressions may be more common.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 故 (ko) means "old," "reason," or "cause," while 人 (jin) represents "person." Together, they form the idea of "person from the past," a poetically constructed euphemism to avoid more direct regarding death. This construction is common in Japanese, which often employs metaphors and circumlocutions to address delicate themes.

It is interesting to note that the radical of 故 is 攵 (symbol of action), while 人 is an independent kanji. This combination is not random: it suggests an action (death) that transforms someone into "someone from the past." Sources like Kanjipedia and 漢字源 confirm this historical interpretation, although modern usage has softened this direct connection.

Cultural context and appropriate use

In Japan, where death is treated with ceremony and respect, 故人 appears in specific contexts. You will find it in funeral speeches, on gravestones, or when elderly individuals talk about friends who have ed away. It is less used by young people in informal conversations, unless the context demands solemnity. This care reflects cultural values such as enryo (reserve) and omoiyari (consideration for others' feelings).

A common mistake among learners is to use 故人 as a casual synonym for "dead". In situations like news about accidents or crimes, Japanese people prefer neutral like 死者 (shisha). The word 故人 carries an emotional weight that makes it unsuitable for impersonal s, being reserved for personal relationships or memorials.

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Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 故者 (Koja) - Deceased, a person who has already ed.
• 亡くなった人 (Nakunatta hito) - Deceased person, a more general term.
• 亡人 (Bōjin) - A deceased woman, a widow.
• 逝去者 (Seikyo-sha) - Individual who has ed, a respectful term.
• 亡骸 (Nakigara) - Remains, body of a deceased person.
• 死者 (Shisha) - Deceased in a neutral way can refer to anyone who has died.
• 亡霊 (Bōrei) - Spirit of a deceased, wandering soul.
• 亡き人 (Naki hito) - Deceased person, with a touch of longing.
• 故人物 (Kojinbutsu) - Deceased individual, used in historical contexts.
• 故人様 (Kojin-sama) - Deceased (honorific), a respectful way to refer to the deceased.
• 故人さん (Kojin-san) - Deceased (courtesy), a polite way to refer to someone who has ed away.
• 故人女性 (Kojin josei) - Deceased woman, a specific term.
• 故人男性 (Kojin dansei) - Deceased man, a specific term.
• 故人先生 (Kojin sensei) - deceased professor, referring to an educator who has already ed away.
• 故人父親 (Kojin chichioya) - Deceased father, referring to the father who has ed away.
• 故人母親 (Kojin hahaoya) - Deceased mother, referring to the mother who has ed away.