tự tận

Definition

1. Verb (archaic/literary):
   • To commit suicide; to take one's own life. This is a formal, classical term for the act of intentionally ending one's own life. It carries a solemn and often tragic connotation, typically found in historical, literary, or formal contexts rather than everyday speech.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nhà vua đã tự tận sau thất bại. (The king committed suicide after the defeat.)
  • Trong tiểu thuyết, nhân vật chính chọn cách tự tận. (In the novel, the main character chooses to commit suicide.)
  • Hành động tự tận của ông ấy gây chấn động cả nước. (His act of suicide shocked the entire nation.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "tự tận" is rarely used in modern conversational Vietnamese. It is primarily encountered in historical accounts, classical literature, legal or formal documents, and philosophical discussions. Its use implies a deliberate and often desperate final act.

Variants and Related Words

• Tự tử (v): This is the standard, modern term for "to commit suicide." It is neutral and commonly used in contemporary language.

  • Áp lực quá lớn có thể dẫn đến ý nghĩ tự tử. (Extreme pressure can lead to thoughts of suicide.)

• Tự sát (v): Another modern synonym for "to commit suicide," similar in usage and frequency to "tự tử."

  • Cảnh sát điều tra vụ tự sát. (The police are investigating the suicide.)

Synonyms

• Commit suicide: To intentionally cause one's own death.
• Take one's own life: A more formal phrase for suicide.
• End it all: An informal, colloquial expression.

Important Note

• "Tự tận" is an archaic term. For clear communication in most modern contexts, the words "tự tử" or "tự sát" are strongly preferred. The use of "tự tận" may sound excessively formal, literary, or outdated.