Suicide
Self-Determination
noun, verbal noun
When your self decides on something, that's called self-determination. But the word is mainly used in Japan as a euphemism for suicide. It's kind of important that you know that.
This word is very formal and generally used in historical contexts, such as referencing suicides that occurred during wartime.
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.
彼らは敵に降伏するよりも、集団自決を選んだとされています。
It is said that they chose mass suicide rather than surrendering to the enemy.
戦時下においても、自決を強制する行為は、重大な人権侵害と見なされています。
Even during wartime, forcing someone to take their own life is considered a serious violation of human rights.
歴史上、多くの民族が自決を求めて闘争を続けてきました。
Historically, many peoples have fought for self-determination.