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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to die' with 死 (sǐ)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 死 + 了

    Explanation

    死 (sǐ) means "to die" or "death." It is a direct and commonly used word, though in polite conversation speakers may prefer euphemisms like 去世 (to pass away). 死 can also be used as an intensifier in colloquial speech, as in 累死了 (exhausted to death).

    Examples

    • 那棵老树已经死了好几年了。

      Nà kē lǎo shù yǐjīng sǐle hǎo jǐ nián le.

      That old tree has been dead for several years.

    • 今天加班到十点，我真的累死了。

      Jīntiān jiābān dào shí diǎn, wǒ zhēn de lèi sǐ le.

      I worked overtime until ten o'clock today; I'm absolutely exhausted.

    • 听到那个消息，她伤心得要死。

      Tīng dào nàge xiāoxi, tā shāngxīn de yào sǐ.

      Upon hearing that news, she was heartbroken to death.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'to die' with 死 (sǐ) | Chinese Grammar