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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#9839DifficultyVery Hard
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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 逝 means.
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.
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.
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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How Well Do You Know 逝?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 逝 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
逝 = 辶 + 折. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 逝
IDS Structure⿺辶折
逝Full Character
=
辶chuo4
enclosing
折she2
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 逝?
How to say (of time) to pass in Chinese
“(of time) to pass” in Chinese is逝shì
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.
When to use 逝
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.
逝 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 逝
逝
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Practice writing 逝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
