What does it mean word for word?
The word for 'passed away' is composed of 去 (to go/depart) and 世 (world/generation).
Which one should you use?
While 去世了 is a polite euphemism, 死了 is blunt and can be considered insensitive or rude in many social contexts. In casual conversation, people often use 走了 as a softer, more colloquial way to say someone has passed away.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The expression 他去世了 is a formal way to say He/she has passed away. For formal written condolences, the expression 不幸去世 can be used to mean "unfortunately, he/she passed away." In contrast, 他走了 is an informal way to say He/she has departed.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 了 at the end of the phrase 有人去世了 indicates a change of state or that the event has occurred.
How do you pronounce it?
yǒurén qùshì le
When do people say it?
The phrase 愿他 / 她安息 means "may he/she rest in peace."
Did you know?
- In very formal or royal historical contexts, the term 崩 was used for the death of an emperor, which literally means 'to collapse' like a mountain.
- Chinese culture sometimes uses the term 白事 'white matter' to refer to the entire process of a funeral, as white is the traditional color of mourning.
- In some traditional Chinese contexts, people avoid the phrase 去世 and instead use 仙逝 to suggest the person has become an immortal or a celestial being.
Examples in context
- 他去世了，让人很难过He/she passed away, which is really saddening
- 很遗憾地通知您，王先生昨天去世了。We regret to inform you that Mr. Wang passed away yesterday.
- 听到你奶奶去世的消息，我真的很难过。I'm really sorry to hear about your grandmother's passing.
- 医生说刚才有人去世了。Yīshēng shuō gāngcái yǒurén qùshì le.The doctor said someone passed away just now.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking quietly in the office breakroom.
- 佳怡 Jiayi志强，你听说了吗？Zhìqiáng, nǐ tīngshuō le ma?Zhiqiang, have you heard?
- 志强 Zhiqiang没听说，怎么了？Méi tīngshuō, zěnme le?No, what happened?
- 佳怡 Jiayi隔壁办公室有人去世了。Gébìng bàngōngshì yǒurén qùshì le.Someone in the office next door passed away.
- 志强 Zhiqiang真是太令人难过了。Zhēnshì tài lìngrén nánguò le.That is truly saddening.
