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The word list is based on terms widely cited by established Japanese etiquette guides. It is not exhaustive, and views differ by region, family and the tone of the event. Detection is mechanical, so words that are fine in context may also be flagged - always judge by the surrounding text.
What are imikotoba?
Imikotoba ("avoided words") are expressions traditionally considered inauspicious at Japanese celebrations and condolences. At weddings these are words evoking separation or repetition (suggesting remarriage); at funerals, words evoking misfortune repeating or continuing.
What matters most is consideration for how listeners feel, not the words themselves. If one slips out, simply rephrase and continue. Checking your text in advance lets you speak with confidence on the day.
Wedding examples and rephrasings
- Cutting the cake → putting the knife in (ナイフを入れる)
- 最後に (finally) → 結びに (in closing)
- The reception ends (終わる) → the reception opens out (お開きになる)
- Going home (帰る) → excusing oneself (失礼する)
- 重ね重ね (again and again) → あわせて (together with)
Words on which guides disagree - such as ますます or ときどき - are deliberately not flagged by this checker. If they worry you, simply rephrase.
Condolence examples and rephrasings
- 死亡・死んだ (died) → ご逝去 (go-seikyo, passed away)
- 急死 (sudden death) → 突然のご逝去 (totsuzen no go-seikyo)
- 生きていた頃 (when they were alive) → お元気だった頃・ご生前 (when they were well / in their lifetime)
- Doubled words such as 重ね重ね and たびたび → evoke misfortune repeating; rephrase with あわせて or よく
The digits four (shi = death) and nine (ku = suffering) are avoided in amounts and item counts. Names of rites such as 四十九日 (the 49th-day service) are fine as they are.
Words that depend on religion
ご冥福をお祈りします (praying for the soul's happiness in the next world), 成仏 and 供養 are Buddhist terms - they are not used at Shinto or Christian services. Jodo Shinshu also avoids ご冥福, since the deceased is taught to become a Buddha immediately.
- When you do not know the religion: 心よりお悔やみ申し上げます works regardless of faith.
- Shinto: 御霊のご平安をお祈りいたします
- Christian: 安らかな眠りをお祈りいたします
Related pages
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Frequently asked questions
What if a taboo word slips out during my speech?
Just rephrase and continue calmly. Heartfelt content matters far more than a slip - do not let it make you unnatural.
Do taboo words matter outside speeches?
Yes - the same thinking applies to invitation replies, congratulatory and condolence telegrams, and condolence messages by email or messaging apps. Written words remain, so checking in advance helps.
Is ご冥福をお祈りします really problematic?
It is a Buddhist phrase, so it is not used at Shinto or Christian services, and Jodo Shinshu also prefers to avoid it. When you do not know the religion, 心よりお悔やみ申し上げます is the safe choice.
How far should I worry about the numbers four and nine?
Avoid them in amounts of money and item counts. Names of rites such as 四十九日 (the 49th-day service) are fine.
If the checker finds nothing, am I safe?
The list covers representative words widely cited by etiquette guides, not every possibility. Views differ by region and family - judge by context and the tone of the occasion.
