喪 中(もちゅう)

もちゅう

noun

in mourning

1. period of mourning, in mourning

The period following the death of a close family member during which one refrains from celebrations and New Year greetings.

喪中(もちゅう)なので年賀状(ねんがじょう)は出(だ)しません。

I won't send New Year's cards because I'm in mourning.

喪中(もちゅう)ハガキを十一月(じゅういちがつ)に送(おく)った。

I sent mourning notification postcards in November.

祖母(そぼ)が亡(な)くなったので、今年(ことし)は喪中(もちゅう)です。

My grandmother passed away, so I'm in mourning this year.

USAGE: 喪中(もちゅう) refers to the period of mourning, typically lasting about one year after a close family member's death. During this time, people refrain from celebratory activities.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

喪中(もちゅう)ハガキ/喪中(もちゅう)葉書(はがき) (mourning notification postcard)
喪中(もちゅう)欠礼(けつれい) (formal term for not sending New Year greetings due to mourning)
喪中(もちゅう)につき (due to being in mourning)

CUSTOMS:

喪中(もちゅう)ハガキ is sent in November-early December to notify friends that you won't be sending 年賀状(ねんがじょう)
During 喪中(もちゅう), one avoids 正月(しょうがつ)飾(かざ)り (New Year decorations), お節料理(せちりょうり), and other celebratory activities
The mourning period length varies by relationship (spouse/parents: 12-13 months; grandparents: 3-6 months)

忌中(きちゅう) (immediate mourning period, typically 49 days)

Related Words

Related: 年賀状(ねんがじょう) (New Year card)

general

Added 2026.1.17 14:25 · Revised 2026.6.22 0:19

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