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谥 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
谥shìposthumous name or titlevg, 12 strokes, radical 讠, rank #67170, Very Hard
谥shìsmiling faceunknown, 12 strokes, radical 讠, rank #67170, Very Hard
谥shìto confer a posthumous titleunknown, 12 strokes, radical 讠, rank #67170, Very Hard
谥yìposthumous name or titlevg, 12 strokes, radical 讠, rank #67170, Very Hard
谥yìsmiling faceunknown, 12 strokes, radical 讠, rank #67170, Very Hard
谥yìto confer a posthumous titleunknown, 12 strokes, radical 讠, rank #67170, Very Hard
shì(shi4)shi
primary
T4
  1. 1posthumous name or title
  2. 2smiling face
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

谥(諡)shì(shi4)

The character 谥 (shì) refers to a posthumous name or title given to a deceased person, often used in historical contexts to honor their virtues or achievements. It reflects the Chinese practice of conferring respect and memorializing individuals after their death, usually seen in dynastic histories and literature.

Strokes12Radical讠Frequency#67170DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the practice of giving a posthumous name is deeply rooted in Confucian values, emphasizing respect for ancestors and the importance of legacy. Famous historical figures often have elaborate posthumous titles that reflect their lives and contributions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wise elder smiling in a ceremonial robe, receiving a special title after their passing. The character 谥 combines the radical for speech (言) and the concept of memory, symbolizing how words are used to honor the deceased.

Meanings of 谥

shì(shi4)
primary
1posthumous name or title
2smiling face
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 谥

谥Simplified
諡Traditional
12Strokes
讠Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 谥

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Podcast: 谥

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AI Study Notes for 谥

Usage Notes

This term is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in historical discussions or literature. A common mistake is to confuse it with other honorifics or titles, so remember that 谥 specifically pertains to posthumous recognition. Be cautious with pronunciation, ensuring the right tone to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

While 谥 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to themes found in HSK Level 5 material, such as historical narratives and cultural practices. Students should focus on understanding its usage in context, especially in classical texts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 谥 with the word for 'title' (称号, chēnghào), using it inappropriately in contexts that don't involve posthumous recognition. Remember, 谥 specifically relates to names given after death.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 谥

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Etymology of 谥

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

speech

Semantic (meaning)讠
+
Phonetic (sound)益
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

谥 = 讠 + 益. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 谥

IDS Structure⿰讠益
谥Full Character
=
讠yan2
left
益Yi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 谥?

How to say posthumous name or title in Chinese

“posthumous name or title” in Chinese is谥shì

The character 谥 (shì) refers to a posthumous name or title given to a deceased person, often used in historical contexts to honor their virtues or achievements. It reflects the Chinese practice of conferring respect and memorializing individuals after their death, usually seen in dynastic histories and literature.

When to use 谥

This term is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in historical discussions or literature. A common mistake is to confuse it with other honorifics or titles, so remember that 谥 specifically pertains to posthumous recognition. Be cautious with pronunciation, ensuring the right tone to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 谥 with the word for 'title' (称号, chēnghào), using it inappropriately in contexts that don't involve posthumous recognition. Remember, 谥 specifically relates to names given after death.

Write 谥

谥

Practice writing 谥 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 谥

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, posthumous recognition often takes the form of awards or memorials, but it may lack the specific cultural practice of bestowing a formal title that encapsulates one's virtues.

Word Family of 谥

Words Containing This Character1
谥shìposthumous name or title諡

Frequently Asked Questions about 谥

A posthumous name signifies respect and honor for the individual's contributions and character, serving as a lasting legacy.

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