Translation and Meaning of: 暗殺 - ansatsu

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 暗殺 (ansatsu) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: ansatsu

Kana: あんさつ

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n1

暗殺

Translation / Meaning: murder

Meaning in English: assassination

Definition: To secretly kill a specific person.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (暗殺) ansatsu

The word 「暗殺」 (ansatsu) refers to the act of planned and secretly carried out assassination, often with political, ideological, or strategic motivations. The term is associated with the idea of eliminating a public figure or prominent person discreetly, to avoid detection or the direct consequences of the act.

Etymologically, 「暗殺」 is composed of two kanji: 「暗」 (an), which means "darkness" or "hidden," and 「殺」 (satsu), which means "to kill." The combination directly reflects the meaning of the term as "killing in the darkness" or "secretly eliminating," emphasizing the furtive and premeditated aspect of this type of action. This concept distinguishes 「暗殺」 from other terms related to homicide, such as 「殺人」 (satsujin), which refers generically to the act of killing a person.

In Japanese history, 「暗殺」 played a significant role in various political and social events. Important figures, such as political leaders and reformists, were victims of secret assassinations during periods of instability, such as the Meiji Restoration and the pre-World War II era. The term also frequently appears in works of fiction, where the theme of intrigues and conspiracies involves acts of 「暗殺」 as a central element.

In addition to its use in historical and literary contexts, 「暗殺」 can be found in more specific expressions, such as 「暗殺者」 (ansatsusha), which means "assassin" or "hitman," and 「暗殺計画」 (ansatsu keikaku), which refers to an "assassination plan." These variations enrich the term, allowing it to be used in different contexts and narratives, from political discussions to fictional descriptions of intrigues.