1.
mourning; bereavement period
The period of mourning observed after a death, during which one refrains from celebrations and social activities.
服喪中は外出を控える。
During mourning, one refrains from going out.
祖母が亡くなり、家族で服喪の期間に入った。
After our grandmother passed away, the family entered a period of mourning.
服喪期間が明けるまで、年賀状の送付は控えるのが一般的なマナーである。
It is common etiquette to refrain from sending New Year's cards until the mourning period is over.
Refers to the formal period of mourning observed after the death of a family member or close relative. During 服喪, people traditionally avoid celebrations, festive events, and sending seasonal greetings.
In Japan, the mourning period (喪中) typically lasts about one year for close relatives. During this time, families send 喪中はがき (mourning postcards) before the New Year season to inform others that they will not be sending 年賀状 (New Year's cards).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 服喪中: in mourning
- 服喪期間: mourning period
- 服喪が明ける: the mourning period ends
- 服喪に入る: to enter mourning
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 喪中: in mourning — the state of being in mourning, used more colloquially and on postcards
- 忌中: a shorter, stricter mourning period (usually 49 days) immediately following a death
- 弔い: mourning, condolence — focuses on the act of paying respects rather than the period