What are the differences between 死ぬ{しぬ}, 他界する{たかいする} and 亡くなる{なくなる}?
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2014-08-13T10:08:00.183
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2014-08-21T00:32:46.020
2014-08-13T10:11:31.780
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words usage synonyms
Differences between 死ぬ{しぬ}, 他界する{たかいする} and 亡くなる{なくなる}?
死ぬ is the general, neutral term for "to die". 他界する assumes particular belief,
namely that the person/animal goes to the afterworld. 亡くなる is euphemism.
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2014-08-13T10:12:22.713
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From my personal experience,

**「亡くなる」** is the most neutral word.

```

    「先生のお父さんはがんで亡くなられたよ」 - "Our teacher's father died from cancer"
    
```

**「死ぬ」** is a strong word that is usually avoided by polite people, but is
used to express emphasis or to deliberately offend. It can also be used to
talk about animals.

```

    「勝手に死ね！」 - Literally, "Die on your own!", but is very strong and rude.
    「あのセミが死んでいるよ」 - "That cicada is dead"
    
```

**「他界する」** is a polite word (often used on television) to express the idea
that someone has "left this world".

```

    「美紀ちゃんは13才という若さで他界した」 - "Miki-chan passed away at the tender age of 13"
    
```
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2014-08-19T08:56:26.810
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2014-08-19T08:56:26.810
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answer
死亡する is also used in place of 死ぬ because the latter is too strong a word. It's
used in news articles, announcements, and I think has a slightly official and
impersonal feel to it.
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2014-08-21T00:32:46.020
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answer