将死
jiāngsǐ
The English phrase "checkmate" is translated into Chinese as 将死 (jiāngsǐ).
将死 is used when making the conclusive move in a game of chess.
Meaning: said when making the conclusive move in chess (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 将死 is composed of 将 (to attack/check) and 死 (to die/dead).
Which one should you use?
While 将死 means checkmate, the related term 将军 refers specifically to the state of "check" where the king is under attack but can still escape.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle 了 to 将死 indicates that the state of checkmate has been achieved or has just occurred.
How do you pronounce it?
jiāngsǐ
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, the act of 'checking' the general 将军 can be used as a metaphor in debate or business for putting someone in a difficult position where they must respond.
- In Chinese chess, the king is called 将 (general) for the first player and 帅 (commander) for the second. Only the 将 form is used in the phrase 将死 regardless of which piece is trapped.
- The character 将 in 将死 originally referred to a general of an army. This reflects the origins of Chinese chess as a simulation of ancient warfare rather than a royal courtly game.
Examples in context
- 将死了。Checkmate.Adding the particle 了 to 将死 indicates that the state of checkmate has been achieved or has just occurred.Tatoeba #13922492 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #1685992 by gleki
- 将军，将死！jiāng jūn, jiāng sǐ!Check, checkmate!
Example conversation
Wei and Jiayi are playing a game of chess.
- 伟 Wei看这里，将死！kàn zhè lǐ, jiāng sǐ!Look here, checkmate!
- 佳怡 Jiayi怎么可能？我没注意到。zěn me kě néng? wǒ méi zhù yì dào.How is that possible? I didn't notice.
- 伟 Wei因为你留了后路。yīn wèi nǐ liú le hòu lù.Because you left an opening.
- 佳怡 Jiayi好吧，伟，你赢了。hǎo ba, Wěi, nǐ yíng le.Alright, Wei, you win.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
