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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.
Frequency#1710DifficultyMedium
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
—Strokes
—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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
Many of these poets appeared in print only long after their deaths.
5
他去世前的最后一批画作也许是最让人困惑的。
tā qù shì qián de zuì hòu yī pī huà zuò yě xǔ shì zuì ràng rén kùn huò de。
His very last paintings are perhaps the most puzzling.
6
她老爸去世时留给了她好几百万。
tā lǎo bà qù shì shí liú gěi le tā hǎo jī bǎi wàn。
Her old man left her a few million when he died.
7
很遗憾，他在五六年前去世了。
hěn yí hàn， ， tā zài wǔ liù nián qián qù shì。
He died five or six years ago I'm sad to say.
8
戴利主教说他听到红衣主教去世的消息后感到极为震惊和难过。
dài lì zhǔ jiào shuō tā tīng dào hóng yī zhǔ jiào qù shì de xiāo xī hòu gǎn dào jí wéi zhèn jīng hé nán guò。
Bishop Daly said he was devastated by news of the Cardinal's death.
9
格雷戈尔爱他的姐姐，她的去世显然仍令他悲伤不已。
gé léi gē ěr ài tā de jiě jiě， ， tā de qù shì xiǎn rán réng líng tā bēi shāng bù。
Gregor loved his sister, and her loss clearly still affects him.
10
他被流放到澳大利亚，五年后在那里去世。
tā bèi liú fàng dào ào dà lì yà， ， wǔ nián hòu zài nà lǐ qù。
He was banished to Australia, where he died five years later.
Cultural Notes for 去世
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 去世
Yes, 去世 is specifically used to refer to the death of people, not animals or other entities.
Yes, you can use 去世 for anyone who has passed away, regardless of how long ago it was.
去世 is more formal and respectful, while 死 is more direct and can be considered blunt.
