Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 死 | sǐ | |
| 亡 | wáng | |
| 去世 | qùshì | formal |
| 往生 | wǎngshēng |
The primary meaning of these terms is to stop living. While 死 is the most common and direct way to express this, it can sound blunt or even rude depending on the context. In specific religious settings, particularly in Buddhism, 往生 is used to describe the act of being reborn into a higher realm. Note that the words 骰子 and 色子 are related in sound but refer to a polyhedron used in games of chance rather than the act of dying.
Which one should you use?
The forms vary significantly in tone and context. 死 is the neutral or informal direct term. 亡 is a much more formal and literary version often found in historical or classical texts. 去世 is a polite way to say "to pass away," while 死亡 is a highly formal term used in medical literature or legal documents. Finally, 往生 carries a specific religious meaning regarding rebirth.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
死 is common but can be blunt. For a more respectful or polite tone when speaking about someone else's death, use 去世. For official, medical or legal contexts, 死亡 is the most formal option. 亡 should be reserved for literary or historical contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, adding the particle 了 after 死 to form 死了 creates the state of being dead or indicates the completed action of dying. Additionally, in informal speech, the phrase 死了 is often used to express surprise, frustration or exaggeration. For example, the expression 哭死了 is used informally to depict extreme sadness or disappointment.
How do you pronounce it?
sǐ
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when using 死了. While it can be used for exaggeration, it can also be considered impolite or rude depending on how it is applied.
When do people say it?
In a Buddhist context, the term 往生 is used specifically to describe a person's death as being reborn into a higher realm, such as the Pure Land.
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, speaking the word 死 too often or in the wrong context can be seen as inviting bad luck or 'calling' death into a room.
- The historical form of 亡 is thought to represent the cutting edge of a knife rather than the concept of death itself.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the specific choice between 去世 and 往生 can signal whether the speaker identifies as a Confucian or a Buddhist.
Examples in context
- 汤姆不怕死。Tom isn't afraid to die.This example shows the use of 死 regarding fear.Tatoeba #4761368 by billt_estates, translation #3424308 by CK
- 人固有一死。All shall die.This example shows the use of 死 in a philosophical context.Tatoeba #5091165 by mirrorvan, translation #270000 by rul
- 我寧死不降。I would rather die than surrender.This example shows the use of 死 to express a preference to die rather than surrender.Tatoeba #7432361 by zzztat, translation #241205 by CC
- 104 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A doctor is explaining a situation to a family member.
- 伟 Wei这只小狗快要死了。Zhè zhī xiǎogǒu kuàiyào sǐ le.This little dog is about to die.
- 佳怡 Jiayi能不能救救它？Néng bù néng jiùjiù tā?Can you save it?
- 伟 Wei恐怕很难了。Kǒngpà hěn nán le.I'm afraid it will be very difficult.
- 佳怡 Jiayi太可惜了。Tài kěxī le.That is such a pity.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “die” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 亡, 死, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
