自杀

• Pinyin: zì shā
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = pictograph of a nose (self); 杀 = 杀 simplified from 殺, to kill

Meaning

Suicide; to commit suicide. The act of intentionally ending one's own life.

A serious term used in medical, legal, and news contexts. Mental health awareness around this topic has grown in China. Crisis intervention is available via hotlines like 北京心理危机研究与干预中心.

Examples

1. 预防自杀需要全社会的关注和努力。 Suicide prevention requires attention and effort from the whole society.
2. 警方正在调查这起自杀案件的原因。 The police are investigating the cause of this suicide case.
3. 及时的心理干预可以帮助有自杀倾向的人。 Timely psychological intervention can help people with suicidal tendencies.

Usage Guide

Context: medical, news, psychology

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 自杀预防是重要的公共卫生议题。(Suicide prevention is an important public health issue.)
• 如果有自杀的念头，请及时寻求专业帮助。(If you have suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help promptly.)

Don't Say

• 轻率地使用自杀开玩笑 (Never use 自杀 casually or in jokes — it's a serious topic that deserves respectful treatment)

Origin & History

自 (self) + 杀 (to kill). Literally 'to kill oneself.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal