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自杀 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
自杀zìshāto kill oneselfHSK 6, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #1009, Hard
自杀zìshāto commit suicideHSK 6, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #1009, Hard
自杀zìshāto attempt suicideHSK 6, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #1009, Hard
zìshā(zi4sha1)zi sha T4
  1. 1to kill oneself
  2. 2to commit suicide
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March 24, 2026

自杀(自殺)zìshā(zi4sha1)

The term '自杀' (zìshā) means to take one's own life or to commit suicide. It is a serious concept often used in discussions about mental health, societal pressures, or crises. This word is typically used in more serious or formal contexts due to the gravity of the subject matter.

Strokes12Frequency#1009DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, discussions around mental health and suicide can be quite taboo, often linked to societal pressures and familial expectations. The term '自杀' may be encountered in literature or media addressing these themes.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person standing alone (自, zì) with a heavy heart, symbolizing their struggle, while the character for 'kill' (杀, shā) gives a sense of the finality of their decision. Think of '自' as the self, and '杀' as the act of ending life, making it easier to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 自杀

zìshā(zi4sha1)
1to kill oneself
2to commit suicide
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About 自杀

自杀Simplified
自殺Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

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Podcast: 自杀

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AI Study Notes for 自杀

Usage Notes

When discussing this topic, it's important to use '自杀' with sensitivity due to its serious nature. Avoid using it in casual conversation, and pay attention to the correct tones: '自' (zì) is fourth tone and '杀' (shā) is first tone. Common collocations include '预防自杀' (yùfáng zìshā - suicide prevention).

HSK Study Tips

While '自杀' is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects with common topics such as mental health and well-being, which may appear in intermediate discussions. Focus on understanding the context in which such serious vocabulary is used.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the tones, saying it as 'zisha' instead of the correct 'zìshā'. Additionally, they might use it in inappropriate contexts, such as joking, which can be offensive.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 自杀

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Component Characters

自zìfrom
HSK 46 strokes自
View full entry
杀shāto kill
HSK 66 strokes木
View full entry

How to say to kill oneself in Chinese

“to kill oneself” in Chinese is自杀zìshā

The term '自杀' (zìshā) means to take one's own life or to commit suicide. It is a serious concept often used in discussions about mental health, societal pressures, or crises. This word is typically used in more serious or formal contexts due to the gravity of the subject matter.

When to use 自杀

When discussing this topic, it's important to use '自杀' with sensitivity due to its serious nature. Avoid using it in casual conversation, and pay attention to the correct tones: '自' (zì) is fourth tone and '杀' (shā) is first tone. Common collocations include '预防自杀' (yùfáng zìshā - suicide prevention).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse the tones, saying it as 'zisha' instead of the correct 'zìshā'. Additionally, they might use it in inappropriate contexts, such as joking, which can be offensive.

Write 自杀

自
杀

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Cultural Notes for 自杀

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, suicide is often addressed more openly in conversations about mental health, whereas in Chinese culture, it may carry heavier stigma and is less frequently discussed openly.

Frequently Asked Questions about 自杀

No, due to the serious nature of the topic, it should be approached with care and used in appropriate contexts.

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