訃報

• Reading: ふほう
• Romaji: fuhou
• Kanji breakdown: 訃 (fu) — news of death, obituary; 報 (hou) — news, report, tidings
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.hoː/

Meaning

News of a death; obituary notice. Formal notification that someone has passed away, typically delivered through official or respectful channels.

A formal and respectful noun used in written and spoken announcements of death. It appears in newspapers, company circulars, social media condolences, and formal correspondence. 訃報が届く (the news of death arrives) and 訃報に接する (to receive news of a death) are common collocations. The word carries solemnity and is not used lightly.

Examples

1. 恩師の訃報に接し、言葉を失った。 Upon hearing the news of my mentor's passing, I was at a loss for words.
2. 訃報が届いたのは深夜のことで、家族全員が急いで駆けつけた。 The news of the death arrived late at night, and the whole family rushed over immediately.
3. 弊社取締役会長の訃報を謹んでお知らせ申し上げます。 We respectfully announce the passing of our company's chairman of the board.

Usage Guide

Context: bereavement, journalism, formal announcements, correspondence

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound. 訃 is a character used specifically to denote news of a death; 報 means news, report, or tidings — together forming a solemn notification of a passing.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal