撕
sī
The English verb 'rip' is translated into Chinese as 撕 (sī).
撕 means to divide or separate the parts of something. In different contexts, you may also encounter expressions used to offer condolences, such as the phrase for 'RIP' (Rest In Peace).
Meaning: to divide or separate the parts of (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify the result of the ripping action, you can add complements to 撕. Adding 撕开 (sī kāi) specifies that the action of ripping results in something being opened, while adding 撕掉 (sī diào) indicates that you are ripping something off a surface or removing it by tearing.
How do you pronounce it?
sī
When do people say it?
When expressing sympathy for the deceased, 安息 (Ān Xī) is a formal and literate way to say 'RIP', whereas 安息吧 (Ān Xī Ba) is a straightforward way to say it. If you are participating in online mourning or a virtual memorial, you can use the term 网上祭奠 (Wǎng Shàng Jì Diàn) in posts or messages to show your sympathy and pay respects.
Did you know?
- The word 撕 (sī) is the same sound used in the common phrase 撕逼 (sī bī), a modern internet slang term used to describe two people having a fierce, public verbal fight.
- In some contexts, the sound sī is used as an onomatopoeia for the sound of something being ripped or the sound of inhaling sharply through the teeth when experiencing pain.
- The word 撕 shares a historical root with the character 厮, which refers to splitting wood, linking the act of tearing to the physical splitting of materials.
Examples in context
- 把纸撕了Rip the paper
- 请把这张纸撕开。Qǐng bǎ zhè zhāng zhǐ sī kāi.Please rip this piece of paper apart.
- 他把信撕成了碎片。Tā bǎ xìn sī chéng le suì piàn.He ripped the letter into pieces.
- 不要撕我的画。Bù yào sī wǒ de huà.Don't rip my drawing.
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are cleaning up some old art supplies.
- 伟 Wei这张旧海报可以撕了吗？Zhè zhāng jiù hǎibào kěyǐ sī le ma?Can I rip this old poster now?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen可以，把它撕掉吧。Kěyǐ, bǎ tā sī diào ba.Yes, just rip it off.
- 伟 Wei你会撕得很整齐吗？Nǐ huì sī de hěn zhěngqí ma?Will you rip it neatly?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没问题，交给我吧。Méi wèntí, jiāo gěi wǒ ba.No problem, leave it to me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 撕, CC BY-SA 4.0.
