Translation and Meaning of: 自首 - jishu

The Japanese word 自首[じしゅ] (jishu) has a specific and relevant meaning both in everyday vocabulary and in the legal context of Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and usage, as well as understand how it is perceived culturally. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, this content will help clarify questions and provide useful information.

In addition to explaining the translation of 自首, we will address its use in different situations, from informal conversations to more formal contexts. You will also discover how this word is viewed in Japanese society and whether it frequently appears in media such as animes, dramas, or news. Let's get started!

The meaning and translation of 自首

The word 自首[じしゅ] is generally translated as "confession" or "voluntary surrender to the police." It describes the act of a person admitting to a crime or wrongdoing on their own initiative, before being discovered by the authorities. This concept is important in the Japanese legal system, where spontaneous confession can influence the reduction of penalties.

It is worth noting that 自首 is not limited to serious crimes. It can be used in minor situations, such as admitting a mistake at work or in a school environment. However, its most common use is related to legal matters, especially when someone decides to turn themselves in to the police without being pressured.

The origin and the kanjis of 自首

The composition of 自首 comes from the kanjis 自 (ji), which means "oneself" or "on one's own," and 首 (shu), which can mean "head" or "leader." Together, they form the idea of "taking responsibility for oneself," which perfectly reflects the meaning of the word. This construction is interesting because it shows how kanjis can convey deep nuances in just two characters.

It is important to note that 自首 does not have a specific ancient or historical origin, but its use is well established in modern Japanese. It appears frequently in news and legal documents, being a word recognized by any native speaker. Despite this, it is not a term that comes up often in everyday conversations, unless the subject is related to crimes or justice.

The cultural and social use of 自首

In Japan, the idea of taking responsibility for mistakes is culturally valued. Therefore, 自首 is not only a legal term but also reflects an important aspect of the Japanese mindset. In many cases, voluntary confession is seen as an act of sincere remorse, which can lead to more lenient treatment by the justice system.

In anime and police dramas, it is common for characters to use this word in decisive moments of the plot. For example, a suspect might say "自首します" (jishu shimasu) to indicate that they will surrender. This type of representation reinforces how the term is connected to tense situations and moral decisions, making it even more interesting for Japanese language learners.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 自己申告 (jiko shinkoku) - Self-declaration or self-report
• 自白 (jihaku) - Confession, usually in a legal context
• 自己告白 (jiko kokuhaku) - Personal confession, statement of feelings or actions
• 自己供述 (jiko kyōjutsu) - Personal statement, self-testimony
• 自己申請 (jiko shinsei) - Self-request, a request made by oneself
• 自己申込み (jiko mōshikomi) - Self-registration or application made by yourself
• 自己申し立て (jiko mōshitate) - Self-claim or declaration before authorities
• 自己申し出 (jiko mōshide) - Offer or proposal made by yourself
• 自己申報 (jiko shinhō) - Self-declaration of information, especially in financial contexts
• 自己申し入れ (jiko mōshiire) - Formal proposal or offer of a car
• 自己申し訴え (jiko mōshi toae) - Self-complaint or formal complaint
• 自己申し上げ (jiko mōshiage) - Self-declaration or presentation made by yourself
• 自己申し述べる (jiko mōshinoberu) - Exhibition or self-report
• 自己申し受ける (jiko mōshiukeru) - To accept or embrace something on behalf of oneself
• 自己申し出る (jiko mōshideru) - Make a proposal or a statement about yourself.
• 自己申し立てる (jiko mōshitateru) - Claiming or declaring something on one's own behalf.
• 自己申し伝える (jiko mōshitsutaeru) - Communicate or convey something about yourself
• 自己申し述べ (jiko mōshinobe) - Narration or description of personal actions or feelings
• 自己申し立てよう (jiko mōshitateyō) - The proposal or intention to make a self-affirmation
• 自己申し立てた (jiko mōshitatt) - It was a self-assertion or claim.
• 自己申し出た (jiko mōshidatta) - A proposal or statement was made by yourself.

自首

Romaji: jishu
Kana: じしゅ
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: surrender; surrender

Meaning in English: surrender;give oneself up

Definition: Confessing a crime after committing it.

Example Sentences - (自首) jishu

See below some example sentences:

私は自首します。

Watashi wa jishu shimasu

I will turn myself in to the police.

I am myself.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 自首 (jishu) - means "confession" or "surrender" in Japanese
• します (shimasu) - polite form of the verb "to do", used to indicate future action