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March 24, 2026
去世qùshì(qu4shi4)
去世 (qù shì) means 'to pass away' or 'to die' in a respectful and formal context. It is commonly used when discussing someone's death, especially in situations that require sensitivity, such as funerals or memorials. The term conveys a sense of respect for the deceased.
Strokes10Frequency#1710DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussing death can be delicate, and terms like 去世 are preferred to avoid harshness. This reflects a cultural emphasis on respect and honor for the deceased, which is evident in traditional mourning practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person (去) leaving this world (世) behind, as if walking away from it. The character 去 looks like a person departing, and 世 represents the world. Together, they remind you that someone is leaving the world behind, making it easier to recall the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 去世
qùshì(qu4shi4)
1to pass away
2to die
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About 去世
去世Simplified
10Strokes
—Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#1710Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 去世
Podcast: 去世
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AI Study Notes for 去世
Quick Contrast
亡 (wáng) - use 去世 for a more respectful tone in formal contexts, while 亡 is more neutral and can be used in broader contexts.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 去世 in informal contexts where simpler terms like 死 (sǐ) might be more appropriate. This term is formal, so it is best used in respectful conversations. Be careful with pronunciation, as both tones are crucial for conveying the correct meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK level 5 word, 去世 connects with other vocabulary related to life and death. Focus on understanding its use in various contexts, such as literature or news reports, to grasp its nuances better. Pairing it with related words like 生活 (shēnghuó, life) or 病 (bìng, illness) can enhance comprehension.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 去世 with 死, using them interchangeably in all contexts. For example, saying '他去世了' (He died) is correct, but saying '他死了' in formal situations may seem disrespectful. Always opt for 去世 in sensitive discussions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 去世
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去世 (qù shì) means 'to pass away' or 'to die' in a respectful and formal context. It is commonly used when discussing someone's death, especially in situations that require sensitivity, such as funerals or memorials. The term conveys a sense of respect for the deceased.
When to use 去世
Common mistakes include using 去世 in informal contexts where simpler terms like 死 (sǐ) might be more appropriate. This term is formal, so it is best used in respectful conversations. Be careful with pronunciation, as both tones are crucial for conveying the correct meaning.
去世 or something close to it
亡 (wáng) - use 去世 for a more respectful tone in formal contexts, while 亡 is more neutral and can be used in broader contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 去世 with 死, using them interchangeably in all contexts. For example, saying '他去世了' (He died) is correct, but saying '他死了' in formal situations may seem disrespectful. Always opt for 去世 in sensitive discussions.
Write 去世
去
世
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Grammar Patterns of 去世
去世 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
