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March 24, 2026
弒shì(shi4)
The character 弒 (shì) refers specifically to the act of killing one's own parent, with distinct meanings for patricide (father) and matricide (mother). It is a formal and literary term, often used in historical or legal contexts rather than in everyday conversation, emphasizing the gravity and taboo of such actions.
Strokes13Radical弋Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese culture, the act of killing one’s parent was seen as one of the most heinous crimes, often associated with a loss of honor and familial duty. This concept is reflected in Confucian values, which emphasize filial piety.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shadowy figure (the character 弒) wielding a sword (the radical 弗) against a throne (representing a father or mother). This scene illustrates the severe act of killing a parent and the weight of the act, while the pronunciation 'shì' sounds like 'shear,' as if cutting ties with one's roots.
Meanings of 弒
shì(shi4)
1patricide, matricide
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 弒
弒Simplified
13Strokes
弋Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 弒
Podcast: 弒
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AI Study Notes for 弒
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a shadowy figure (the character 弒) wielding a sword (the radical 弗) against a throne (representing a father or mother). This scene illustrates the severe act of killing a parent and the weight of the act, while the pronunciation 'shì' sounds like 'shear,' as if cutting ties with one's roots.
Usage Notes
Due to its serious implications, 弒 is rarely used in casual conversation and is more suited for literature or discussions about crime. Learners should be cautious with tone, as using the wrong tone could lead to misunderstanding; the first tone (shī) means 'to die' in a general sense.
HSK Study Tips
Although 弒 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to advanced topics in literature and history. Students should focus on understanding its context in classical texts or discussions about morality and law in Chinese society.
Cultural Note
In ancient Chinese culture, the act of killing one’s parent was seen as one of the most heinous crimes, often associated with a loss of honor and familial duty. This concept is reflected in Confucian values, which emphasize filial piety.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 弒 with other characters related to killing, such as 杀 (shā), which means 'to kill' in a general sense. Remember that 弒 specifically denotes the act of killing a parent, making it much more specific and serious.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 弒
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Cultural Notes for 弒
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient Chinese culture, the act of killing one’s parent was seen as one of the most heinous crimes, often associated with a loss of honor and familial duty. This concept is reflected in Confucian values, which emphasize filial piety.
Word Family of 弒
Words Containing This Character4
弑shìto murder a superior弒
弑父patricide弒父
弑君regicide弒君
篡弑to commit regicide篡弒
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 弑 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 弒
弒 specifically refers to killing one's own parent, while other terms may refer to killing in a general sense or different relationships.
It is generally not used in modern conversation and is more appropriate for historical or literary discussions.
Associate 'shì' with 'shear', as in cutting ties with one’s roots.
