Inklingo

How to Say "suicide" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “suicide” is “suicidio” — use 'suicidio' when referring to the act or the concept of intentionally ending one's own life.

English → Spanish

suicidio

swee-SEE-dhyoswiˈsi.ðjo

nounB2general
Use 'suicidio' when referring to the act or the concept of intentionally ending one's own life.
A small, solitary figure stands on a quiet green hill, looking up as a single, brightly colored balloon floats away into the vast sky, symbolizing the intentional ending of life.

Examples

La prevención del suicidio es una prioridad de salud pública.

Suicide prevention is a public health priority.

Habló abiertamente sobre su intento de suicidio hace diez años.

He spoke openly about his suicide attempt ten years ago.

El informe detalló un aumento en la tasa de suicidio juvenil.

The report detailed an increase in the youth suicide rate.

Using the Article

Like many abstract nouns in Spanish, 'suicidio' often uses the article 'el' when referring to the concept generally: 'El suicidio es un problema global.' (Suicide is a global problem.)

suicida

soo-ee-SEE-dahswiˈsiða

nounB1general
Use 'suicida' when referring to the person who has committed suicide.
A solitary figure sits hunched over in a dimly lit, sparse room, conveying a feeling of deep isolation and despair.

Examples

Las autoridades confirmaron que la víctima era un suicida.

The authorities confirmed that the victim was a suicide.

La policía intentó negociar con la suicida por horas.

The police tried to negotiate with the suicidal person for hours.

Gender Invariant Noun

This noun is unique because its form ('suicida') doesn't change based on gender. You use 'el' for a male person and 'la' for a female person: 'el suicida' and 'la suicida'.

Trying to change the ending

Mistake: “Using 'suicido' for a man or 'suicida' for a woman.”

Correction: The word is always 'suicida' for both genders. The article ('el' or 'la') tells you the gender.

Person vs. Act

The most common mistake is using 'suicida' to refer to the act of suicide, or 'suicidio' to refer to the person. Remember, 'suicidio' is the act, and 'suicida' is the person.

Related Translations

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