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生死 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
生死shēngsǐlife or deathHSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, rank #4657, Very Hard
shēngsǐ(sheng1si3) T1
  1. 1life or death
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March 24, 2026

生死shēngsǐ(sheng1si3)

生死 (shēngsǐ) refers to the concepts of life and death, often used to express the existential dichotomy between existence and non-existence. This term is frequently used in philosophical discussions, literature, and situations involving critical choices or outcomes, highlighting the gravity of life-and-death situations.

Strokes11Frequency#4657DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, discussions about 生死 are often approached with a sense of reverence and reflection, particularly during festivals like Qingming, where families honor their ancestors and contemplate the cycle of life and death.

Memory Tip

Imagine the character 生 (shēng) as a sprouting plant, symbolizing life, while 死 (sǐ) looks like a person lying down, signifying death. The combination of these two characters represents the journey from life to death, reminding you that both are intertwined.

Meanings of 生死

shēngsǐ(sheng1si3)
1life or death
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About 生死

生死Simplified
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 生死

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Podcast: 生死

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AI Study Notes for 生死

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 生死 with just 'life' or 'death.' It's essential to use it in contexts that emphasize the connection between the two. Be cautious of tone, as mispronouncing 死 (sǐ) can change the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

Though not an HSK vocabulary word, 生死 can be linked to other HSK vocabulary discussing life (生活 shēnghuó) and death (死亡 sǐwáng). Students should focus on the duality and philosophical implications of these terms to deepen their understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes mistakenly use 生死 to refer only to life or death separately, such as saying '生' alone to mean life only. It's crucial to remember that 生死 encompasses both concepts together.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 生死

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Component Characters

生shēngto be born
HSK 45 strokes生
View full entry
死sǐto die
HSK 46 strokes歹
View full entry

How to say life or death in Chinese

“life or death” in Chinese is生死shēngsǐ

生死 (shēngsǐ) refers to the concepts of life and death, often used to express the existential dichotomy between existence and non-existence. This term is frequently used in philosophical discussions, literature, and situations involving critical choices or outcomes, highlighting the gravity of life-and-death situations.

When to use 生死

Learners often confuse 生死 with just 'life' or 'death.' It's essential to use it in contexts that emphasize the connection between the two. Be cautious of tone, as mispronouncing 死 (sǐ) can change the meaning entirely.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes mistakenly use 生死 to refer only to life or death separately, such as saying '生' alone to mean life only. It's crucial to remember that 生死 encompasses both concepts together.

Write 生死

生
死

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about 生死

It's not commonly used in casual settings but appears in more serious discussions or literature.

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