What it means
خودکشی (khodkoshi) is the Persian word for suicide, the act of intentionally ending one’s own life. It is composed of خود (khod, self) and the verbal root کشی (koshi), derived from کشتن (koshtan, to kill), both native Persian words. The compound is transparent and literal: self-killing. It is the standard neutral term used in news reporting, medical contexts, legal documents, and everyday speech. A related phrase is اقدام به خودکشی (eqdâm be khodkoshi), meaning suicide attempt.
How to use it
- پیشگیری از خودکشی یه موضوع مهم بهداشت روانه. (pishgiri az khodkoshi ye mowzu-e mohemm-e behdâsht-e ravân-e.) “Suicide prevention is an important mental health issue.”
- اون از خودکشی یه دوستش خیلی آسیب دیده. (un az khodkoshi-ye ye dust-ash kheyli âsib dide.) “She was deeply affected by a friend’s suicide.”
- خط اورژانس اجتماعی برای کسایی که به خودکشی فکر میکنن در دسترسه. (khatt-e oruzhâns-e ejtemâ-i barâye kasâyi ke be khodkoshi fekr mikonan dar dastras-e.) “The social emergency line is available for people who are thinking about suicide.”
- آمار اقدام به خودکشی در نوجوانان نگرانکنندهست. (âmâr-e eqdâm be khodkoshi dar nowjavânân negarânkonande-st.) “The rate of suicide attempts among teenagers is concerning.”
Cultural note
Discussion of suicide remains sensitive in Iran, as in many societies, carrying social stigma especially when connected to mental illness or family crisis. Islamic tradition generally considers self-killing prohibited, which shapes how the topic is addressed in public discourse. In recent years, Iranian mental health professionals and public health campaigns have worked to encourage open conversation and reduce stigma around seeking help. Crisis support lines exist in Iran, though access and awareness vary across regions.