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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 折 represents the sound.
1The meaning half辶 carries the sense.
2The sound half折 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywalk
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 逝? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 逝?
Decomposition of 逝
IDS Structure⿺辶折
逝Full Character
=
辶chuo4
enclosing
折she2
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component 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.
