故人

• Reading: こじん
• Romaji: kojin
• Kanji breakdown: 故 (ko) — late, deceased, reason; 人 (jin) — person
• Pronunciation: /ko.dʑi.n/

Meaning

The deceased; the late. A respectful term for someone who has passed away.

A formal and respectful noun used to refer to a dead person. Used in eulogies, obituaries, and formal discussions about the departed. Often appears in phrases like 故人の遺志 (the wishes of the deceased) and 故人をしのぶ (to remember the deceased). More formal than 亡くなった人 (the person who died).

Examples

1. 故人の遺志を大切に引き継いでいく。 Personal information must be handled with care.
2. 故人をしのんで多くの人が集まった。 This is my personal opinion, but I can't agree.
3. 故人が生前愛した場所を訪れた。 If you're applying as an individual, please use this form.

Usage Guide

Context: funerals, obituaries, memorials

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

Composed of 故 (old, deceased, reason) and 人 (person). The character 故 carries the meaning of past or deceased, making 故人 a person of the past — one who has died.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal