Understanding 自殺 (じさつ)
The word 自殺 means "suicide" and is used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing the act of taking one's own life. It is a serious and sensitive term often appearing in news, social discussions, and mental health contexts.
Common Collocations and Patterns
- 自殺を考える (じさつをかんがえる): to consider suicide
- 自殺を防ぐ (じさつをふせぐ): to prevent suicide
- 自殺率 (じさつりつ): suicide rate
- 自殺未遂 (じさつみすい): attempted suicide
These collocations are frequently used in conversations about mental health, social issues, and prevention efforts.
Usage Notes
When using 自殺, it is important to be sensitive due to the topic's seriousness. It is often discussed in formal or clinical contexts rather than casual conversation. Avoid using it lightly or jokingly.
A common learner mistake is confusing 自殺 with 死ぬ (to die) or 亡くなる (to pass away). 自殺 specifically refers to intentional self-killing, so context matters greatly.
Summary
自殺 is a key term for discussing suicide in Japanese. Knowing its collocations and the sensitivity around the topic will help learners understand news reports, social issues, and mental health discussions more deeply.