Translation guide
To kill a person or animal by shooting them with a gun or similar weapon. In Japanese, this is usually expressed with compound verbs or phrases combining 'shoot' and 'kill', rather than a single word.
To shoot someone or something resulting in death.
To shoot dead with emphasis on the action or result, such as shooting to death or gunning down.
English 'shoot dead' is a phrasal verb, but Japanese does not have a single equivalent. Using 撃つ (shoot) alone does not imply death. Always combine with a word meaning 'kill' or use a compound like 撃ち殺す.
The most direct and common way to say 'shoot dead'. Combines 撃つ (shoot) and 殺す (kill). Used for people or animals.
犯人は警官に撃ち殺された。
The criminal was shot dead by the police officer.
Formal or written term for 'shoot dead'. Often used in news reports or official contexts.
テロリストはその場で射殺された。
The terrorist was shot dead on the spot.
Literally 'kill with a gun'. A more roundabout way to express the idea, but natural in conversation.
彼は銃で殺された。
He was shot dead.
Means 'shoot through' or 'shoot dead' with a nuance of piercing or finishing off. Often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
彼は心臓を撃ち抜かれて即死した。
He was shot through the heart and died instantly.
Execution by shooting. Used in military or historical contexts.
脱走兵は銃殺刑に処された。
The deserter was executed by firing squad.