tuyệt mệnh

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Suicide note: A final letter or message written by someone before taking their own life.
2. Adjective (attributive):
   • Suicide (used to describe a note or letter): Used to characterize a written document left behind prior to a suicide.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cảnh sát tìm thấy một bức tuyệt mệnh trên bàn. (The police found a suicide note on the table.)
  • Trong bức tuyệt mệnh, anh ấy giải thích lý do cho hành động của mình. (In the suicide note, he explained the reasons for his action.)
• Adjective (attributive):
  • Anh ta để lại một lá thư tuyệt mệnh. (He left behind a suicide letter.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "tuyệt mệnh" is a formal and literary compound, directly translating to "cut off/severe" (tuyệt) and "life/destiny" (mệnh). It is almost exclusively used in the context of suicide and final communications. It carries a heavy, solemn connotation.

Variants and Related Words

• Thư tuyệt mệnh (n): This is the most common full phrase, meaning "suicide note" or "suicide letter." "Tuyệt mệnh" alone is understood to mean this.
• Tự sát (v): To commit suicide.
• Từ trần (v): A formal and euphemistic term for "to pass away," not specific to suicide.

Synonyms

• Suicide note: The direct English equivalent.
• Final note: A less specific term that could be used in this context.

Important Note

• "Tuyệt mệnh" is a specific term and is not used for other types of farewell letters (e.g., written before a dangerous mission or due to terminal illness). Its use is strictly tied to the act of suicide.