Translation guide
The English verb 'strangle' refers to killing or choking someone by squeezing their throat, or metaphorically suppressing something. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you are choking with your hands, a cord, or describing a metaphorical restriction.
Expressing the act of killing someone by compressing their neck, typically with hands or a cord.
The most direct and common verb for strangling to death. It combines 'shimeru' (to strangle/choke) and 'korosu' (to kill).
The culprit strangled the victim to death.
A more formal or technical term, often used in legal or news contexts. It is a suru-verb.
He was found strangled to death.
A more descriptive phrase: 'to kill by strangling the neck'. It explicitly mentions the neck.
She was strangled to death by her husband.
Expressing the act of squeezing someone's throat to restrict breathing, without necessarily killing them.
Literally 'to strangle the neck'. This is the most common way to say 'to choke/strangle someone' in a non-lethal sense. It can also imply lethal intent depending on context.
He got angry and choked me.
A general verb meaning 'to strangle' or 'to choke'. It can be used for both lethal and non-lethal actions, but often appears in compounds.
Means 'to suffocate' or 'to asphyxiate'. It can be used when strangling leads to suffocation, but is broader in meaning.
The smoke strangled (suffocated) him.
Specifically using a thin object like a rope, wire, or cord to strangle.
Using 'strangle' figuratively to mean suppressing something like an economy, creativity, or a sound.
Means 'to suppress' or 'to oppress'. Commonly used for stifling freedom, creativity, or dissent.
The law is strangling free speech.
Literally 'to tighten' or 'to clamp down'. It can metaphorically mean to restrict or squeeze, like strangling an economy.
Also used metaphorically to mean 'to stifle' or 'to suffocate' something abstract.
When someone is choking because something is stuck in their throat, not by another person's hands.
In English, 'choke' can mean to fail under pressure in sports. This is not expressed with 絞める. Use プレッシャーに負ける (to lose to pressure) or あがる (to get nervous).
絞める (shimeru) means to strangle or choke, while 締める (shimeru) means to tighten or fasten (like a belt or screw). They are homophones but written with different kanji and have distinct meanings.
後ろから首を絞められた。
I was choked from behind.
The culprit strangled the victim with a cord.
The tax hike is strangling the economy.
Excessive regulations are strangling innovation.
The child almost choked to death after swallowing a toy.