seppuku: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very LowFormal; Historical; Literary; Specialized (Cultural/Historical Studies)
Quick answer
What does “seppuku” mean?
A formal, ritual suicide by disembowelment, historically practiced by samurai in Japan to avoid capture, atone for failure, or preserve honour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal, ritual suicide by disembowelment, historically practiced by samurai in Japan to avoid capture, atone for failure, or preserve honour.
An act of honourable self-sacrifice, especially one involving profound personal or professional cost; often used metaphorically to describe taking extreme responsibility for failure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties treat it as a borrowed Japanese cultural term.
Connotations
Evokes images of feudal Japan, strict honour codes, and extreme finality. The metaphorical use is understood similarly.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, encountered primarily in historical texts, literature, or cultural discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “seppuku” in a Sentence
[Subject] committed seppuku[Subject] was ordered to commit seppukuIt was an act of seppukua ritual akin to seppukuVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seppuku” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The disgraced daimyo was expected to seppuku himself.
- He chose to seppuku rather than face capture.
American English
- The samurai was forced to seppuku after the defeat.
- To seppuku was seen as the only honourable path.
adjective
British English
- The seppuku ritual was meticulously detailed.
- A seppuku dagger (tantō) was used.
American English
- He faced a seppuku order from his lord.
- The seppuku ceremony required a witness (kaishakunin).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically, 'The CEO committed career seppuku with that fraudulent deal.'
Academic
Discussed in historical, anthropological, or cultural studies of Japan. 'The practice of seppuku was codified during the Tokugawa period.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Might appear in historical drama or metaphorical humour among educated speakers.
Technical
Specific term in Japanese history/martial studies. Distinction from 'hara-kiri' (same act, but 'hara-kiri' is the vulgar term).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seppuku”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seppuku”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seppuku”
- Using it to mean any dramatic resignation (overstating the metaphor).
- Misspelling: 'sepuku', 'seppuka'.
- Pronouncing it /sɛˈpuːkuː/ with a long 'u' in the second syllable instead of a short 'u'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the ritual was officially abolished in the late 19th century with the Meiji Restoration, though isolated, highly publicized incidents have occurred.
They describe the same act. 'Seppuku' (切腹) is the Sino-Japanese (on'yomi) reading, used in formal writing and speech. 'Hara-kiri' (腹切り) is the native Japanese (kun'yomi) reading, considered more vulgar and colloquial. English often uses 'hara-kiri' more frequently.
It was believed the soul or spirit (hara) resided in the abdomen. Opening it was seen as revealing one's true, sincere spirit and taking ultimate responsibility.
Yes, especially in journalism or commentary (e.g., 'career seppuku,' 'political seppuku') to describe an act of self-sabotage or taking extreme blame that ruins one's position. It's a hyperbolic metaphor.
A formal, ritual suicide by disembowelment, historically practiced by samurai in Japan to avoid capture, atone for failure, or preserve honour.
Seppuku is usually formal; historical; literary; specialized (cultural/historical studies) in register.
Seppuku: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛpˈuː.kuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛˈpu.ku/ /ˌsɛpˈu.ku/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “commit political/career seppuku (metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SEP'aratethe PUK(e) from your stomach. A gruesome image linking the sound to the act of disembowelment.
Conceptual Metaphor
HONOUR IS PURITY / FAILURE IS POLLUTION (ritual cleanses the individual's and family's honour); EXTREME ACCOUNTABILITY IS A RITUAL SUICIDE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction between 'seppuku' and 'hara-kiri'?