'割腕' literally means 'to cut the wrist'—'割' (gē) means 'to cut' or 'to slash', and '腕' (wàn) means 'wrist'. Together, it refers specifically to the act of intentionally cutting one's own wrist, most commonly as a non-fatal suicidal gesture or a severe form of self-harm. It is not used for accidental cuts or medical procedures.

This term carries strong clinical, psychological, and social connotations. In Chinese media and daily speech, it is treated with gravity and sensitivity, often appearing in discussions about mental health crises, depression, or emotional distress. While technically descriptive, its usage is almost exclusively tied to intentional self-injury rather than literal wrist-cutting for other purposes (e.g., ritual or symbolic acts), which would require additional context or explanation.