Translation guide
Expressing the act of cutting off a head, ranging from literal execution to figurative removal of leadership.
To cut off someone's head, typically as a form of execution or in a violent act.
The most common and versatile phrase for 'to decapitate' or 'to behead'. Literally 'to cut the neck'. Can be used in historical, violent, or figurative contexts.
The samurai decapitated the criminal.
To be decapitated by the guillotine.
Formal or historical term for 'decapitation' or 'beheading', often used in legal or execution contexts. Literally 'cut neck'.
The king ordered the rebel to be decapitated.
Historical term for 'to behead' as a form of execution, specifically by sword. Often used in period dramas.
In the Edo period, criminals were beheaded.
To remove the leader or top person of an organization, often abruptly.
Idiom meaning 'to replace the leadership', literally 'to change the head'. Implies a swift removal of the top person.
The company decapitated its management by replacing the president due to poor performance.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to cut off the top', used figuratively to remove a leader. More direct and less idiomatic than 首をすげ替える.
They decapitated the government by removing its leader in a coup.
To have one's head severed in an accident or violent attack, not necessarily execution.
Intransitive phrase meaning 'the head flies off', used for accidental decapitation or violent beheading. Emphasizes the result.
The driver was decapitated in the accident.
Transitive phrase meaning 'to chop off the head', often with a sword or sharp object. More graphic than 首を切る.
He decapitated the enemy with a sword.
While 首を切る can be used figuratively (e.g., firing someone), it is not the best choice for 'decapitate' in a leadership context. Use 首をすげ替える or トップを切る for removing leaders.
He was fired from the company. (Not 'decapitated')