shinju

Shinju is a term in Japanese that can refer to several distinct concepts, depending on the kanji characters used. The most common meaning written as 真珠 is "pearl," the gem produced by mollusks, widely used in jewelry and often invoked as a symbol of beauty and value. When written as 心中, shinju denotes a suicide pact or double suicide, a historical social phenomenon often associated with lovers; in English-language contexts it is usually rendered shinjū.

Shinju also functions as a personal name. It may be given to both girls and boys, with various kanji combinations that convey different nuances, including meanings related to "truth," "pearl," or "heart." The name appears in Japanese fiction and in real life.

In addition to language use, shinju appears in culture and geography as a title or toponym. It has been used for films, music, and literary works, and can appear in place names or fictional settings. The exact interpretation depends on the kanji and context, so disambiguation is often required when encountering the term.