殺
JLPT N3
Kill
Readings
On’yomi: サツ (satsu)
Kun’yomi: ころ(す) (koro(su))
• ころ(す) – to kill, to slaughter
Structure
Composition:
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Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
殺す
ころす
kill
殺人
さつじん
murder
自殺
じさつ
suicide
殺害
さつがい
killing
必殺
ひっさつ
deadly
Example Sentences
虫を殺します。
むし を ころします。
I kill an insect.
殺人事件です。
さつじん じけん です。
It is a murder case.
自殺を防ぎます。
じさつ を ふせぎます。
We prevent suicide.
殺害されました。
さつがい されました。
He was killed.
必殺技です。
ひっさつわざ です。
It is a deadly move.
Cultural Note
⚔️ 殺 conveys finality and extreme action in Japanese culture.
• While literal killing (殺す) is a serious act, the kanji also appears in medical or hygiene contexts (殺菌), showing extension to elimination of harmful elements.
• It emphasizes awareness of life and consequences, reflected in historical, literary, and modern contexts.
• In everyday culture, it is mostly seen in compound forms rather than standalone usage due to its strong meaning.
• While literal killing (殺す) is a serious act, the kanji also appears in medical or hygiene contexts (殺菌), showing extension to elimination of harmful elements.
• It emphasizes awareness of life and consequences, reflected in historical, literary, and modern contexts.
• In everyday culture, it is mostly seen in compound forms rather than standalone usage due to its strong meaning.