Translation guide
The concept of two people dying together by suicide, often due to a shared predicament or romantic bond. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed as 心中 (shinjū), which historically refers to lovers' suicide but can extend to family or group suicides. The term carries strong cultural and literary connotations.
Two people in a romantic relationship committing suicide together, often due to societal or familial opposition.
The standard term for double suicide, especially between lovers. It can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (心中する).
The two committed double suicide.
That double suicide case is famous.
Literally 'forced double suicide', where one person kills the other without consent, then commits suicide. Often used in news reports.
There is suspicion of a forced double suicide.
A literary term for lovers' suicide, emphasizing the emotional or romantic aspect. Rare in modern conversation.
To die for love (in a double suicide).
Multiple family members or a group committing suicide together, often due to financial or social pressures.
Using 'double suicide' metaphorically to describe a mutual downfall or shared fate, such as in business or politics.
Used figuratively to mean 'to go down together' or 'to share the same fate', often in economic or political contexts.
I'm prepared to go down with that company.
A more general phrase meaning 'to share the same fate', not necessarily suicide. Softer than 心中.
They shared the same fate.
The English phrase 'double suicide' can be directly translated as 二重自殺 (にじゅうじさつ), but this is not idiomatic in Japanese and sounds unnatural. Always use 心中 or related compounds.
自殺 (じさつ) means 'suicide' in general. 心中 specifically implies two or more people dying together, often with a pact. Using 自殺 alone for a double suicide would miss the mutual aspect.
心中 has deep roots in Japanese literature and drama, especially in the works of Chikamatsu Monzaemon. It often carries a tragic, romanticized nuance that may not exist in the English term.
Can also refer to a parent killing children and then themselves, often categorized as 'forced' because children cannot consent.
The mother took her child with her in a forced double suicide.