自殺 — meaning in English: suicide

jisatsu · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for suicide

表現

hyōgen

アイデンティティ

aidentiti

メモリ

memori

南

minami

自殺

jisatsu

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers typically use 自殺 (jisatsu) in discussions about mental health, societal issues, or when addressing serious topics like loss and grief. For example, it might come up in conversations about suicide prevention, literature addressing mental health, or in news reports discussing the rising rates of suicide in various demographics.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 死亡 (shibou), which means 'death.' While 死亡 is a neutral term for death in general, 自殺 (jisatsu) specifically denotes death by one’s own hand, thus carrying a heavier emotional weight and context. You would use 自殺 when discussing the act itself rather than just any form of death.

Culture

The term 自殺 (jisatsu) is composed of two kanji: 自 (ji), meaning 'self,' and 殺 (satsu), meaning 'to kill.' This direct translation reflects the gravity of the act and has deep cultural significance in Japan, where suicide has historically been a complex issue tied to honor and societal pressures. In contemporary times, there are increasing efforts in Japan to address mental health awareness and prevention, making discussions around this word more prevalent.

FAQ

Q.What does 自殺 (jisatsu) mean in English?

自殺 (jisatsu) translates to 'suicide' in English. It refers specifically to the act of intentionally causing one's own death, a serious and sensitive subject.

Q.How is 自殺 (jisatsu) used in a sentence?

You might say, '彼は自殺を考えたことがある' (Kare wa jisatsu o kangaeta koto ga aru), which means 'He has thought about suicide.' This example shows its usage in discussing thoughts or actions related to the topic.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 自殺 (jisatsu)?

One common mistake is confusing 自殺 (jisatsu) with related terms like 自死 (jishi), which also means 'suicide' but carries a different nuance, often implying a sense of self-determined death. It's important to choose 自殺 for discussions focused on the act itself.

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