Core Meaning
The character 死 (sǐ) primarily means "to die" or "to pass away," referring to the end of life. It is a very common verb used in both literal and figurative contexts.
Extended Uses
Besides referring to living beings dying, 死 can describe the failure or breakdown of machines or systems, as in "机器死了" (the machine died). It can also be used metaphorically to express extreme commitment or intensity, such as "拼命死" meaning to work or try desperately.
Common Collocations
- 死了 (sǐ le): indicates that someone or something has died or stopped working.
- 死心 (sǐ xīn): to give up hope.
- 死亡 (sǐwáng): formal noun meaning death.
Usage Notes
When used with people or animals, 死 is straightforward and factual. When used with objects, it often means the object has stopped functioning. Be cautious not to confuse 死 with 亡 (wáng), which is more formal and often used in written contexts. 死 is more common in spoken Chinese.
Tone and Register
The word 死 is neutral but can be sensitive depending on context. It is direct and factual, so in polite or formal situations, euphemisms like 去世 (qùshì) might be preferred.