ผู้ตาย

Explanation

The word combines ผู้, which forms expressions referring to people, with ตาย, meaning “to die.” Its tone is factual and often official. It is not inherently disrespectful, but it does not itself express sympathy or remembrance. Common combinations include ญาติของผู้ตาย (relatives of the deceased), ชื่อผู้ตาย (the deceased person's name), and ทรัพย์สินของผู้ตาย (the deceased's property). The classifier คน can be used to count deceased people. ราย is also used in reports and official records.

Usage

It commonly appears in news reports and police statements about the identity or family of someone who died. It is also used in inheritance and insurance matters, regardless of the cause of death.

Caution

When speaking directly to bereaved relatives, this term can sound impersonal. It is a noun referring to a person, not a verb meaning “to die.” To say “My father has passed away,” use a sentence such as คุณพ่อเสียชีวิตแล้ว.

1 the deceased synonyms

• ผู้ล่วงลับ

  ผู้ล่วงลับ is a gentle expression often used when remembering or honoring someone who has passed away. ผู้ตาย focuses on identifying the person who died, without necessarily conveying remembrance.

• ผู้เสียชีวิต

  ผู้เสียชีวิต is a more tactful term for someone who has died and is also common in news reporting. ผู้ตาย is more matter-of-fact and can sound impersonal.

• ศพ

  sòp dead body

  ศพ means a dead body. ผู้ตาย refers to the person who died, so it is used when discussing their name, relatives, or property.