Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'suicide by hanging' is most commonly expressed with the word 首吊り (kubitsuri), literally 'neck hanging'. This is the standard term used in news reports and everyday speech. More formal or technical terms exist, such as 縊死 (ishi), used in medical or legal contexts. The verb form is 首を吊る (kubi o tsuru), 'to hang oneself'. Note that Japanese often uses the noun form where English might use a verb phrase.
The most common and neutral way to refer to the act of killing oneself by hanging.
Literally 'neck hanging'. This is the standard, everyday word for suicide by hanging. It can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'commit suicide by hanging'.
彼は首吊り自殺をした。
He committed suicide by hanging.
首吊りは日本で多い自殺方法の一つだ。
Hanging is one of the common methods of suicide in Japan.
Verb phrase meaning 'to hang oneself'. This is the most natural way to describe the action.
彼は自宅で首を吊った。
He hanged himself at home.
Formal or medical term for death by hanging. Often used in official documents, autopsy reports, or news headlines.
死因は縊死と判定された。
The cause of death was determined to be hanging.
Another formal term for hanging, specifically referring to the act of strangling the neck. Rarely used outside of forensic contexts.
縊首による死亡と判断された。
Death by hanging was determined.
首吊り is the common, everyday term used in conversation and general news. 縊死 is a formal, technical term found in medical, legal, or official reports. For most situations, 首吊り is appropriate.
新聞は「首吊り」と報じたが、警察の発表では「縊死」と書かれていた。
The newspaper reported it as 'kubitsuri', but the police statement said 'ishi'.
Do not directly translate 'suicide by hanging' as 吊るし自殺 or similar. The natural Japanese is 首吊り or 首を吊る. Using unnatural phrases may cause confusion or sound like a non-native mistake.
Explicit compound meaning 'suicide by hanging'. Used when clarity is needed, but 首吊り alone is often sufficient.
首吊り自殺が増加している。
Suicides by hanging are increasing.