Translation guide
The act of ritual suicide by disembowelment, historically practiced by samurai in Japan. In modern contexts, it is often used metaphorically to mean taking responsibility for a major failure or disgrace, especially in business or politics.
To refer to the historical act of samurai ritual suicide by cutting the abdomen.
The standard term for ritual suicide by disembowelment. Used in historical contexts.
The samurai was ordered to commit seppuku.
Literally 'to cut the belly'. A more direct, less formal way to describe the act.
He cut his belly and killed himself.
To express that someone takes ultimate responsibility for a major mistake or disgrace, often by resigning or accepting severe consequences.
Metaphorically means to take responsibility by resigning or accepting punishment. Common in business and political contexts.
The company president took responsibility for the scandal and resigned.
Used metaphorically in modern contexts, often with a slightly dramatic or ironic tone.
A straightforward, non-idiomatic way to say 'take responsibility and resign'. More formal and direct.
To express the English idiom 'fall on one's sword', meaning to accept blame or sacrifice oneself for a cause.
Using '切腹' or '腹を切る' literally in non-historical situations can sound overly dramatic or insensitive. In business settings, prefer '責任を取って辞任する' unless you intentionally want a strong metaphorical effect.
切腹 is the formal, historical term. 腹を切る is more colloquial and can be used both literally and metaphorically. In modern metaphorical use, 腹を切る is more common.
After this failure, the department head will probably have to fall on his sword.
The minister took responsibility and resigned.
彼は責任を感じて身を引いた。
He felt responsible and stepped down.