白い死
shiroi shi
The English phrase "white death" is translated into Japanese as 白い死 (shiroi shi).
This phrase is a term used to describe death caused by extreme cold or snow.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective 白い (shiroi), meaning 'white' and the noun 死 (shi), meaning 'death'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 白い must precede the noun 死 to modify it directly.
How do you pronounce it?
shiroi shi
Did you know?
- The character 死 (shi) is often avoided in daily conversation because it is a homophone for the number four, which is considered unlucky in Japan.
- The color white 白 can represent purity, but in historical Japanese funeral customs, white was the traditional color for mourning clothes and shrouds.
- In Japanese folklore and literature, the concept of a 'white death' is often linked to the Yuki-onna, a snow spirit who freezes travelers to death with her breath.
Examples in context
- 彼はまさに「白い死」のような存在だ。He is like the very embodiment of the "White Death."
- 昨夜、白い死の天使に会った気がした。Last night, I felt as if I had encountered the "White Angel of Death."
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing the dangers of winter climbing.
- 結衣 Yui冬の登山は本当に危険だね。fuyu no tozann wa hontou ni kiken da ne.Winter climbing is really dangerous, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね。白い死を招く可能性があるから。sou da ne. shiroi shi o maneku kanousei ga aru kara.That's true. Because there's a possibility of inviting white death.
- 結衣 Yui十分な準備が必要だね。juubun na junbi ga hitsuyou da ne.Thorough preparation is necessary.
- 陽太 Yotaああ、油断してはいけないよ。aa, yudan shite wa ikenai yo.Yeah, we must not let our guard down.
