Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'hanging oneself' is most commonly expressed with the verb 首を吊る (kubi o tsuru), literally 'to hang the neck.' Other expressions exist for different contexts, including formal, literary, and slang terms.
To express the act of hanging oneself, typically in suicide or execution contexts.
The most common and neutral expression for 'hanging oneself.' Literally 'to hang the neck.' Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は首を吊って死んだ。
He hanged himself and died.
Hanging oneself seems to be painful.
A formal or technical term for death by hanging, often used in medical or legal contexts.
死因は縊死と判定された。
The cause of death was determined to be hanging.
A noun meaning 'hanging' (the act). Slightly more colloquial than 首を吊る, often used in compound words or casual speech.
首吊り自殺が増えている。
Suicides by hanging are increasing.
An intransitive verb meaning 'to hang oneself' or 'to be hanged.' Less common and somewhat literary.
彼は獄中で縊れた。
He hanged himself in prison.
To refer to hanging as a method of execution.
Formal phrase meaning 'to sentence to death by hanging' or 'to execute by hanging.' Used in legal contexts.
彼は絞首刑に処された。
He was executed by hanging.
The noun 'death by hanging' as a form of punishment.
絞首刑は残酷な刑罰だ。
Hanging is a cruel punishment.
To express 'hanging oneself' in very casual or slangy terms.
A colloquial and somewhat rough expression for hanging oneself. Literally 'to tie the neck.' Can sound blunt or insensitive.
Avoid in polite or formal situations; can be considered crude.
あいつ、首をくくったらしいぜ。
I heard that guy hanged himself.
Discussing suicide, including hanging, is a sensitive topic. Use neutral terms like 首を吊る in appropriate contexts, and avoid slang unless you are certain of the situation. In formal or news reporting, 縊死 or 首吊り自殺 may be used.
首を吊る is a verb phrase ('to hang oneself'), while 首吊り is a noun ('hanging'). 首吊り自殺 is a common compound for 'suicide by hanging.'