Meaning
死 is a fundamental word meaning 'to die' or 'dead.' It can function as a verb (to die), an adjective (dead), or as an intensifier meaning 'extremely' or 'to death' when used before other verbs or adjectives. Despite its morbid literal meaning, it appears in many everyday expressions.
Usage
Commonly used both literally (death, dying) and figuratively as an intensifier (死贵 'extremely expensive', 笑死了 'laughing to death'). In casual speech, 死 often adds emphasis or exaggeration. It can also express frustration when used before nouns (这个死电脑 'this damn computer'). Generally considered informal when used as an intensifier.
Examples
- 01他的狗去年死了。.His dog died last year.
- 02这件衣服死贵，我买不起。, .This piece of clothing is extremely expensive; I can't afford it.
Common collocations
- 死了died, dead, extremely (intensifier)
- 笑死了died laughing, hilarious
- 累死了exhausted to death, extremely tired
- 死心to give up hope
Antonyms
Origin
The character 死 is composed of 歹 (dǎi, 'bad/bones') and 匕 (bǐ, 'spoon/dagger'), originally depicting a person kneeling beside a corpse or bones, representing death.