火葬(かそう)

かそう
noun / suru verb
cremation
1. cremation
The disposal of a dead body by burning. The standard funeral practice in Japan, where the cremation rate is over 99%.
日本(にほん)では火葬(かそう)が一般的(いっぱんてき)だ。
Cremation is standard in Japan.
葬儀(そうぎ)の後(あと)、火葬場(かそうば)に向(む)かった。
After the funeral, we headed to the crematorium.
故人(こじん)の遺志(いし)により、火葬(かそう)は家族(かぞく)だけで静(しず)かに行(おこな)われた。
Following the wishes of the deceased, the cremation was held quietly with only family present.

USAGE:
Japan has one of the highest cremation rates in the world. After cremation, family members use chopsticks to pick the bones from the ashes and place them in an urn (骨壺(こつつぼ)), a practice called 骨上(こつあ)げ or お骨拾(こつひろ)い.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 火葬(かそう)する: to cremate
  • 火葬場(かそうば): crematorium
  • 火葬(かそう)許可証(きょかしょう): cremation permit

Related Words

Homophone: 下層(かそう) (lower layer)
general
Added 2026.2.24 20:06
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