Translation guide
Expresses the act of intentionally ending one's own life. Japanese has many nuanced expressions ranging from clinical to euphemistic, and the appropriate choice depends heavily on context, formality, and sensitivity.
The most common and direct way to say 'commit suicide' in a neutral or factual context.
The standard, neutral term for 'commit suicide'. Used in news, reports, and everyday conversation.
He ended his life.
Suicide is never the answer.
A slightly more literary or formal way to say 'take one's own life'. It emphasizes the act of cutting off one's life.
He took his own life.
Softer, indirect expressions often used in obituaries or when speaking sensitively about the topic.
Expressions that specify the method of suicide, often used in news or detailed descriptions.
Expressions tied to Japanese cultural concepts of honorable suicide, such as seppuku.
To commit seppuku (ritual suicide by disembowelment). Historically associated with samurai.
He took responsibility and committed seppuku.
To die by one's own sword; a literary term for suicide by blade, often used in historical contexts.
The warlord ended his life with his sword in the castle.
Expressions for attempting but not necessarily completing suicide.
Direct terms like 自殺する can be blunt or insensitive in personal conversation. In obituaries or when speaking to bereaved families, euphemisms like 自死 or indirect phrases are preferred. Avoid casual or flippant usage.
自殺 (jisatsu) is the standard word for 'suicide' but can carry a negative or clinical connotation. 自死 (jishi) is a newer, more neutral euphemism that frames it as 'death by suicide' rather than 'killing oneself', and is often used by support groups and sensitive reporting.
She ended her own life.
He jumped from a building.
She attempted suicide by drowning.
She attempted suicide but survived.