黄泉

Etymology 1
&#42; → * → → * →

From, first attested in the , the oldest extant historical record of ancient Japan, compiled in 712. Appears to be the older combining form of yomi (see below).

The ablaut or apophonic form of cognate. Mountains were often used as a place to bury the dead and were strongly associated with the afterlife.

, incorporating the underworld from.

Noun

 * 1)  the land of the dead; the afterworld, underworld

Usage notes

 * Takes the Old Japanese possessive particle, as in the phrase.

Etymology 2
→ * →

From, first attested in the  (712 ) alongside its combining form yomo (see above).

The ablaut or apophonic form of yomo. For this vowel alternation, see WT:AJPX.

, incorporating the underworld from.

Noun

 * 1)  the land of the dead; the afterworld, underworld

Etymology 3
Compound of +.

The kanji spelling reflects the extension of the sense from "the road to the underworld" to '"the underworld" itself.

Noun

 * : the road to the land of the dead; by extension, the underworld itself

Usage notes
The spelling may be more common in certain contexts.

Derived terms

 * : alternative name for : scaly thrush
 * : alternative name for : scaly thrush

Etymology 4
→ →  →

From. Attested in various texts.

Noun

 * 1) an underground spring
 * 2) the underworld, the land of the dead