Meaning

Primary

Suicide

Alternative

Self Determination

Word Type

noun, verbal noun

Explanation

When you decide with your self, that is your own decision. That comes from you. That comes from your 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.

Reading

じけつ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

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.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • ピストル自決

    suicide by pistol

    この自決

    this suicide

    入水自決

    suicide by drowning

Context Sentences

そのサムライは自決した。

The samurai committed suicide.

自分で死んでしまうことを自決といいます。

Dying by your own hand is called suicide.

ついに王女は自決することを決心した。

Finally, the princess decided to commit suicide.

Kanji Composition