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March 24, 2026
逝shì(shi4)
The character 逝 (shì) primarily means 'to pass' in the context of time or 'to die,' often used with a sense of finality. It carries a solemn tone and is frequently used in formal contexts, especially when referring to someone's passing or the fleeting nature of time.
Strokes10Radical辶Frequency#9839DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussing death and the passage of time is often done with respect and somberness, reflecting the deep philosophical views on life and mortality. The term 逝 is used in memorials and poetry to honor those who have passed.
Memory Tip
Imagine a river (the radical 辶 signifies movement) flowing away, symbolizing the passage of time and life. The sound 'shì' can remind you of 'she' (as in a person), which connects to the idea of someone who has passed away.
Meanings of 逝
shì(shi4)
1(of time) to pass
2to die
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 逝
逝Simplified
10Strokes
辶Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9839Frequency Rank
Podcast: 逝
Podcast: 逝
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AI Study Notes for 逝
Quick Contrast
去 (qù) vs 逝 (shì): Use 逝 for a more solemn tone when referring to death or the passage of time, while 去 is more general and can mean 'to go' without the same connotation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a river (the radical 辶 signifies movement) flowing away, symbolizing the passage of time and life. The sound 'shì' can remind you of 'she' (as in a person), which connects to the idea of someone who has passed away.
Usage Notes
In formal contexts, 逝 is often used in literature or eulogies, while in everyday conversation, more casual terms for death are preferred. Be cautious with the tone; it’s common to mistakenly use 失 (shī, to lose) in place of 逝, which is less formal and has different connotations.
HSK Study Tips
Although 逝 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other words related to time and mortality that students might encounter at higher levels. Focus on understanding its usage in literature and formal speech to enrich your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussing death and the passage of time is often done with respect and somberness, reflecting the deep philosophical views on life and mortality. The term 逝 is used in memorials and poetry to honor those who have passed.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 逝 with 失 (shī), leading to phrases like '失去' (shīqù, to lose) instead of the more appropriate '逝去' (shìqù, to pass away). Remember that 逝 carries a more formal and somber connotation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 逝
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Grammar Patterns of 逝
逝 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
shí xià chū xiàn de zhè xiē yǒu guān mǎ lì lián· · mèng lòu de shū hé jì lù piàn shì jiè tā shì30 shì 30 zhōu nián zhī jì tuī。
The present crop of books and documentaries about Marilyn Monroe exploit the thirtieth anniversary of her death.
9
随着岁月的流逝，他觉得受困于婚姻的某些现实问题。
suí zháo suì yuè de liú shì， ， tā jué dé shòu kùn yú hūn yīn de mǒu xiē xiàn shí wèn。
As the years passed he felt trapped by certain realities of marriage.
Cultural Notes for 逝
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussing death and the passage of time is often done with respect and somberness, reflecting the deep philosophical views on life and mortality. The term 逝 is used in memorials and poetry to honor those who have passed.
Word Family of 逝
Words Containing This Character13
逝shìto die
流逝to elapse
逝世shìshìto die
消逝to fade away
逝去to elapse
飞逝to be fleeting飛逝
病逝to die of illness
稍纵即逝transient稍縱即逝
英年早逝to die an untimely death (idiom)
早逝early demise
仙逝to die
长逝to be no more長逝
永逝to die
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 逝 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 逝
No, 逝 is more formal and is usually reserved for written contexts, such as literature or respectful discussions about death.
It's best to avoid using 逝 in casual conversations; terms like 去世 (qùshì) are preferred for informal settings.
Common phrases include 逝世 (shìshì, to pass away) and 时光逝去 (shíguāng shìqù, time passes).
