自杀

zìshā

to kill oneself

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"自杀" (zìshā) literally means "to kill oneself" and is used to describe the act of suicide. It is a serious and sensitive term often discussed in contexts related to mental health, social issues, or news reports.

Common Contexts

This word is commonly used in formal or serious conversations, such as psychological counseling, news media, or discussions about mental health awareness. It is not used lightly or casually.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 自杀倾向 (zìshā qīngxiàng): suicidal tendencies; used when describing someone showing signs of considering suicide.
  • 选择自杀 (xuǎnzé zìshā): choose to commit suicide; emphasizes the decision aspect.
  • 防止自杀 (fángzhǐ zìshā): prevent suicide; used in public health or safety contexts.

Important Notes

When using "自杀," it is important to be sensitive to the topic's gravity. Avoid using it in jokes or casual remarks. Instead, use it in contexts that show understanding or concern. Also, do not confuse "自杀" with accidental death or other causes of death; it specifically refers to intentional self-killing.

Example Sentences

他因为压力太大而选择了自杀。

Tā yīnwèi yālì tài dà ér xuǎnzéle zìshā.

He chose to commit suicide because of too much pressure.

心理医生提醒我们要关注有自杀倾向的人。

Xīnlǐ yīshēng tíxǐng wǒmen yào guānzhù yǒu zìshā qīngxiàng de rén.

The psychologist reminds us to pay attention to people with suicidal

自杀不是解决问题的办法,应该寻求帮助。

Zìshā bù shì jiějué wèntí de bànfǎ, yīnggāi xúnqiú bāngzhù.

Suicide is not a solution to problems; one should seek help.