Translation and Meaning of: 殺人 - satsujin

The Japanese word 殺人[さつじん] carries a strong and specific meaning, often associated with legal contexts, news reports, or works of fiction. If you are looking to understand its actual usage, correct translation, or how it is perceived in Japanese culture, this article will explore everything from its composition in kanji to cultural nuances that every Japanese language learner should know. Here at Suki Nihongo, we prioritize clear explanations based on reliable sources, so get ready to dive into the details of this impactful expression.

Meaning and composition of 殺人

Murder is formed by two kanjis: 殺 (satsu), which means "to kill" or "to murder," and 人 (jin), which translates as "person." Together, they create the term that designates the act of intentionally taking someone's life. Unlike words like 死亡 (shibou), which indicates death in a general sense, 殺人 carries a more explicit legal and moral weight, being used in legal contexts or to describe crimes.

It is worth noting that, although the term is straightforward, its everyday use is rare — the Japanese tend to avoid such loaded expressions in informal conversations. Instead, you will find it more often in police reports, legal proceedings, or discussions about ethics. The pronunciation さつじん (satsujin) follows the standard rules of on'yomi reading, which aids in memorization for students.

Cultural context and use in the media

In Japan, 殺人 is a word that evokes serious reactions, reflecting the cultural aversion to explicit violence. Unlike some Western works that may romanticize crimes, Japanese media tends to handle the subject with caution. Series such as "金田一少年の事件簿" (Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo) or "名探偵コナン" (Detective Conan) do address murders, but usually with a tone more focused on solving the mystery than on the act itself.

Interestingly, the term also appears in compound expressions such as 殺人罪 (satsujinzai), which means "homicide crime," or 殺人者 (satsujinsha), "murderer." These variations are useful for understanding how the Japanese language structures legal concepts. For those studying the language, observing these patterns can be an effective learning strategy.

Precision in use and common alternatives

It is important not to confuse 殺人 with like 自殺 (jisatsu, "suicide") or 傷害 (shougai, "harm"). While the former specifically refers to taking another person's life, the latter have distinct applications. This difference is crucial in conversations or formal texts, as swapping the could lead to serious misunderstandings.

To memorize, one tip is to associate the kanji 殺 with violent actions (such as in 殺害 (satsugai, "massacre") and 人 with individuals. This simple decomposition helps to cement the meaning without needing complicated mnemonics. And of course, always consult sources like Jisho.org or Kanjipedia to confirm usages and variations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 殺害 (satsugai) - Homicide; the act of killing a person.
• 殺す (korosu) - Kill; the act of causing someone's death.
• 殺戮 (satsuriku) - Massacre; act of killing on a large scale, usually refers to mass killings.
• 殺害する (satsugai suru) - Execute a homicide; carry out the act of killing a person.
• 殺すこと (korosu koto) - The act of killing; the idea or concept of killing.