Translation and Meaning of: 葬る - houmuru

The Japanese word 「葬る」(houmuru) is a verb that means "to bury" or "to inter." This word is often used in contexts related to funerals and the rituals associated with the end of a person's life. The expression conveys the idea of giving a final rest to a body, often laden with significant cultural and spiritual connotations in the Japanese context.

The etymology of 「葬る」 is quite rich. The first character, 「葬」, is composed of the radical 「⺮」, which represents bamboo, and the bottom part 「衣」, which means clothing. Historically, bamboo and fabric were valuable materials used in traditional funeral rituals in Japan. Thus, the kanji itself reflects deep cultural traditions related to preparing the dead for the afterlife.

In Japan, funeral rituals are highly ceremonial and respected events, reflective of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. Traditionally, the bodies of the deceased were prepared with meticulous attention, dressed in specific garments, and, in ancient times, wrapped in bamboo mats. This solemn act is encapsulated in the word 「葬る」. The practice and language surrounding burial rituals in Japan carry a deep significance and are an integral part of the cultural and spiritual understanding of the cycle of life and death.

Variations of the word, such as 「葬儀」(sōgi), which means "funeral," demonstrate how the root 「葬」 permeates the language associated with mortuary practices. This vocabulary reveals not only customs but also the history and practices that have shaped Japanese society over the centuries. Japanese culture sees language as a form of cultural and spiritual connectivity, integrating ancient practices into the words of the modern lexicon.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 埋葬する (maisou suru) - To conduct a burial, to formally inter a body.
• 葬送する (sousou suru) - Hold a funeral, farewell ceremony.
• 火葬する (kasou suru) - Cremation, the act of burning the body during the funeral process.
• 埋める (umeru) - Burial, placing something underground, not necessarily related to corpses.
• 埋没する (maibotsu suru) - To bury or to conceal, used in figurative and literal contexts.

葬る

Romaji: houmuru
Kana: ほうむる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: bury; in between

Meaning in English: to bury;to inter;to entomb;to consign to oblivion;to shelve

Definition: bury a deceased person.