* 斬 (zan): To cut, to sever, to chop off.
* 脱 (datsu): To take off, to remove, to escape.
Therefore, Zandatsu literally means "to cut off and escape" or "to sever and remove."
This word is often used in the context of:
* Samurai fighting techniques: Zandatsu refers to the act of cutting off a limb or a part of an opponent's body to escape a dangerous situation.
* Metaphorical situations: It can be used to describe the act of freeing oneself from something that is binding or constricting, like a bad habit or a toxic relationship.
While "Zandatsu" is a relatively obscure word in everyday Japanese, it has gained some recognition in popular culture due to its usage in anime and manga, particularly in the context of martial arts.