殺人 — meaning in English: murder

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

Guess the translation for murder

コア

koa

戦術

senjutsu

テープ

tēpu

風景

fūkei

殺人

satsujin

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formal common

Usage

The term 殺人 (satsujin) is commonly used in serious conversations, particularly in legal or crime-related discussions. For instance, you might hear it in news reports about criminal cases or in police investigations. It is important to note that this word is often used in formal contexts where the gravity of the subject matter—such as discussing murder cases—demands a serious tone.

Synonyms & nuances

Another word for murder in Japanese is 殺 (satsu), which can also mean 'to kill' but is more general and can refer to killing in a broader sense, such as in self-defense or in warfare. In contrast, 殺人 specifically refers to the intentional act of murder, making it a more precise term for legal or serious discussions.

Culture

The word 殺人 (satsujin) is composed of two kanji: 殺 (satsu), meaning 'to kill,' and 人 (jin), meaning 'person.' This combination highlights the act of taking a life, which carries significant cultural weight in Japan, where respect for life is deeply ingrained in social norms. Interestingly, the concept of 'murder' in Japanese culture has been the subject of many literary works and films, often reflecting societal attitudes toward violence and morality.

FAQ

Q.What does 殺人 (satsujin) mean?

殺人 (satsujin) translates to 'murder' in English, specifically referring to the intentional act of taking another person's life. It is a term often used in legal contexts.

Q.How do you use 殺人 in a sentence?

You can use 殺人 in a sentence like this: 'この事件は殺人です' (Kono jiken wa satsujin desu), which means 'This case is a murder.' It illustrates how to convey seriousness about the subject.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 殺人?

A common mistake is to confuse 殺人 with other forms of violence; remember that 殺人 specifically denotes murder. If referring to other types of killing, such as in self-defense, you might want to use a different expression.

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