Translation guide
Expressing the act of intentionally ending one's own life. Japanese has several verbs and phrases, ranging from neutral to blunt, and often uses euphemisms in polite conversation.
He committed suicide last year.
Suicide is not good.
A more literary or euphemistic term, often used to avoid the negative nuance of '殺' (kill). Common in formal or sensitive contexts.
He chose to take his own life.
Literally 'to cut off one's life'. A somewhat literary but common expression.
He took his own life.
To express suicide in a very direct, sometimes harsh way.
To talk about suicide in a gentle, indirect way, often in counseling or media.
A common euphemism, similar to 'take one's own life'.
Cases of young people taking their own lives are increasing.
Literally 'choose self-death'. A softer expression often used in media guidelines.
She chose to end her life.
Literally 'leave this world'. A very indirect euphemism, not specific to suicide but used in context.
After much suffering, he left this world.
To specify the method of suicide.
The English 'commit suicide' is often translated as 自殺する, but note that 自殺 is a noun+する verb. Do not use 犯す (to commit a crime) with 自殺; it sounds unnatural.
Incorrect: 'commit' as in crime
自殺 is the standard term, but some media avoid it because 殺 means 'kill'. 自死 is a softer alternative often used in newspapers and by support groups.
In sensitive situations, phrases like 命を絶つ or 自ら命を絶つ are preferred over direct terms. In very formal or careful speech, you might hear 自死される (honorific passive) to show respect for the deceased.
He jumped from the station platform.