Meaning
The kanji 殺 (satsu) primarily means to kill, murder, or slaughter. This is its most direct and commonly understood meaning, found in words related to homicide, assassination, and other acts of taking a life. Beyond this literal sense, 殺 also extends to mean to suppress, reduce, or cut off. For example, it appears in terms like 殺菌 (sterilizing, or 'killing germs') or 相殺 (offsetting, or 'reducing' a debt). Given its range of meanings, understanding the context is crucial for grasping its specific nuance.
The character 殺 is a phonosemantic compound, offering insight into its core meaning. The left component, 杀 (a variant or ancient form of 殺), depicts a blade or sharp tool cutting into something, or perhaps plants being cut down. This part hints at the action of cutting or diminishing. The right component, 殳 (ほこづくり), is a radical meaning 'spear' or 'weapon.' Combined, these two parts create the image of using a weapon to cut or strike, resulting in destruction or elimination. This visual combination of a sharp instrument and a weapon strongly reinforces the kanji's violent connotations of 'killing' or 'slaughtering.' With 11 strokes, 殺 is taught in the 5th grade of Japanese elementary school as part of the Jōyō kanji set, making it an essential character for intermediate learners.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi are readings derived from Chinese pronunciations and are typically used when the kanji is part of a compound word.
- サツ (satsu)
This is the most common on'yomi for 殺, frequently used in words related to killing, murder, and destructive actions. It can also appear in words signifying an intense rush or flow.
殺人 (satsujin) — murder, killer
殺害 (satsugai) — murder, homicide (the act of killing)
暗殺 (ansatsu) — assassination
殺菌 (sakkin) — sterilization, pasteurization (killing germs)
殺到 (sattō) — rushing, flooding (to a place)
サイ (sai)
This reading is less common than サツ but appears in specific compound words, often with the meaning of offsetting or canceling out.
相殺 (sōsai) — offsetting, cancellation, netting (e.g., of debts)
セツ (setsu)
This reading is quite rare and typically found in historical or specific Buddhist contexts, particularly in words concerning the taking of life in a broader sense.
- 殺生 (sesshō) — taking life (especially in a religious context where it's forbidden), slaughter
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings, often used when the kanji stands alone as a verb or adjective stem, or in native Japanese compound words.
- ころ.す (koro.su)
This is the most common kun'yomi and functions as a transitive verb meaning 'to kill,' 'to murder,' or 'to slay.' It can be conjugated into various forms.
殺す (korosu) — to kill
殺し屋 (koroshiya) — hitman, assassin
殺される (korosareru) — to be killed (passive form)
そ.ぐ (so.gu)
This reading is also a transitive verb, meaning 'to lessen,' 'to weaken,' 'to dampen (spirits),' or 'to cut off/chop off thinly.' It implies a reduction or removal rather than outright killing.
- 殺ぐ (sogu) — to lessen, to weaken, to thin out, to chop off
- 勢いを殺ぐ (ikioi o sogu) — to dampen enthusiasm, to reduce momentum
Common Words & Compounds
Here are some common words and compounds using the kanji 殺, categorized by their thematic usage.
Actions and People
- 殺人 (satsujin) — murder, killer
- 殺害 (satsugai) — murder (the act)
- 暗殺 (ansatsu) — assassination
- 自殺 (jisatsu) — suicide
- 殺し屋 (koroshiya) — hitman, assassin
Destruction and Reduction
- 殺菌 (sakkin) — sterilization, disinfection (killing germs)
- 殺虫剤 (sacchūzai) — insecticide, pesticide (killing insects)
- 減殺 (gensai) — reduction, abatement (reducing or killing off something)
- 相殺 (sōsai) — offsetting, cancellation
Concepts and Expressions
- 殺気 (sakki) — bloodlust, murderous intent
- 殺生 (sesshō) — taking life, slaughter (often in a moral/religious context)
- 殺伐 (satsubatsu) — brutal, savage, cut-throat (describing an atmosphere or situation)
Example Sentences
彼は誰かを殺そうとは思っていません。
Kare wa dareka o korosou to wa omotte imasen.
He has no intention of killing anyone.
殺人事件の捜査が開始された。
Satsujin jiken no sōsa ga kaishi sareta.
The investigation into the murder case has begun.
料理の前に調理器具を殺菌する必要がある。
Ryōri no mae ni chōri kigu o sakkin suru hitsuyō ga aru.
It is necessary to sterilize cooking utensils before cooking.
その映画は強烈な殺気に満ちていた。
Sono eiga wa kyōretsu na sakki ni michite ita.
That movie was filled with intense murderous intent.
お互いの債務は相殺されることになった。
Otagai no saimu wa sōsai sareru koto ni natta.
Our mutual debts were to be offset against each other.
その作戦は敵の士気を殺ぐことを目的としていた。
Sono sakusen wa teki no shiki o sogu koto o mokuteki to shite ita.
The strategy aimed to dampen the enemy's morale.
彼は自分が間違っていたと知り、自暴自棄になって自殺を考えた。
Kare wa jibun ga machigatte ita to shiri, jibōjiki ni natte jisatsu o kangaeta.
Knowing he was wrong, he became desperate and considered suicide.
この地域には害虫が多く、殺虫剤が不可欠だ。
Kono chiiki ni wa gaichū ga ōku, sacchūzai ga fukaketsu da.
There are many pests in this area, so insecticide is indispensable.
彼は有名な政治家を暗殺する計画を立てた。
Kare wa yūmei na seijika o ansatsu suru keikaku o tateta.
He made a plan to assassinate a famous politician.
Memory Tip
To remember 殺, visualize its components. The left side, 杀, can be seen as a person being cut down by a blade, or perhaps plants being aggressively trimmed. The right side, 殳 (ほこづくり), represents a spear or a club—a weapon. Imagine someone wielding a spear or weapon (殳) to cut or strike down (杀) something or someone, leading to its demise. This vivid image directly links the kanji to its primary meaning of 'kill' or 'slaughter.' A simpler alternative: think of 'killing' someone with a sharp 'spear.'