Translation and Meaning of: 暗殺 - ansatsu

The Japanese word 暗殺 (あんさつ) is a term that sparks curiosity not only for its dark meaning but also for its construction and use in the Japanese language. If you are here, you probably want to understand better what this word represents, its origin, how it is written, and even how to memorize it efficiently. In this article, we will explore all of this, from the etymology of the kanji to practical examples of use in everyday Japanese. And if you use Anki or another spaced repetition system, you will find valuable tips to firmly establish this word in your vocabulary.

In addition to the literal meaning of "murder," 暗殺 carries specific nuances that differentiate it from other similar . It is often associated with planned and secret actions, as in historical cases or suspense narratives. If you've ever watched a dorama or anime with political plots, it’s likely that you have come across this word. Let's unravel every aspect of it, including why it is written with the kanjis for "darkness" and "kill."

Etymology and Composition of Kanjis

The word 暗殺 is composed of two kanjis: 暗 (あん - "an"), which means "darkness" or "hidden," and 殺 (さつ - "satsu"), which represents "to kill" or "to assassinate." Together, they form the idea of a murder committed in secrecy, often with connotations of premeditation and betrayal. This combination is not random—it reflects the stealthy nature of the act, something that does not occur in a direct confrontation, but in the shadows.

It is worth noting that the kanji 暗 also appears in words like 暗記 (あんき - "memorization"), where it carries the idea of something done internally, without externalization. On the other hand, 殺 is a strong character, present in like 殺人 (さつじん - "homicide") and 自殺 (じさつ - "suicide"). The combination of these two radicals creates a word that goes beyond the simple act of killing—it evokes conspiracy, secrecy, and even a certain coldness.

Everyday Lies and Specific Contexts

Unlike 殺人 (satsujin), which is a more generic term for homicide, 暗殺 is used in specific situations, usually involving public figures, politicians, or targets of great importance. You will often find it in news about political crimes, history books (such as in the cases of figures like Oda Nobunaga), or even in fictional suspense narratives. If a character in a game or anime is "eliminated" by a secret group, it is very likely that the term used will be this one.

Interestingly, 暗殺 also appears in expressions like 暗殺未遂 (あんさつみすい - "attempted murder"), showing how the word adapts to different legal and media contexts. In Japan, it is not used casually—its presence in headlines or conversations already indicates seriousness. If you are learning Japanese to consume news or understand police dramas, mastering this term is essential.

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

An effective way to memorize 暗殺 is to associate the kanjis with vivid mental images. Think of a murder occurring in the darkness (暗), where the killer acts unseen. The act of killing (殺) completes the scene, creating a story that embeds the word in memory. If you use flashcards on Anki, include a sentence like "政治家が暗殺された" (The politician was assassinated) to see the term in context.

A dark curiosity: Japan had real cases of 暗殺 that marked its history, such as the assassination of Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi in 1909. These events reinforce how the word is linked to moments of political change. And if you're a pop culture fan, you may have heard this term in series like "Death Note" or "Attack on Titan," where conspiracies and secret eliminations are central themes.