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A2 verb #3,000 am häufigsten 8 Min. Lesezeit

去世

qùshì
At the A1 beginner level, your primary focus in language learning is typically on basic survival vocabulary, such as greetings, numbers, ordering food, and asking for simple directions. The concept of death and the specific vocabulary used to describe it are generally not introduced in the very first stages of a standard curriculum because these topics require a level of conversational nuance and cultural sensitivity that beginners have not yet developed. However, encountering the word 去世 (qù shì) is highly probable even for absolute beginners if you are consuming any form of native Chinese media, such as watching a drama, listening to a basic news broadcast, or even reading a simple graded reader that involves a family tree or a historical figure. Therefore, while you are not expected to actively produce this word in your own daily conversations at this stage, having a passive understanding of its meaning is incredibly beneficial. You should recognize that when you hear the characters 'qù' (to go) and 'shì' (world) put together, the speaker is respectfully indicating that someone has passed away. It is crucial at this early stage to simply map the word to its English equivalent 'to pass away' and understand that it is a polite alternative to the more direct word 死 (sǐ - to die). Do not worry about complex grammatical structures or time duration phrasing yet. Just focus on recognizing the sound and the basic meaning. If someone tells you 'wǒ de yéye qùshì le' (my grandfather passed away), your goal at the A1 level is simply to understand the tragic nature of the statement so you can respond with appropriate body language or a simple expression of sympathy, rather than responding with confusion or inappropriate cheerfulness. Building this passive vocabulary foundation early on will significantly ease your transition into higher levels where active usage of such sensitive terms becomes necessary.
At the A2 level, you are beginning to expand your conversational abilities beyond basic survival phrases and are starting to discuss personal backgrounds, family histories, and simple life events. This is the exact CEFR level where the word 去世 (qù shì) becomes an essential part of your active vocabulary. At this stage, you need to know how to use this word correctly to describe the passing of family members, friends, or well-known figures in a polite and culturally appropriate manner. The most important grammatical structure you must master at this level is the simple past completion, typically formed by adding the particle 了 (le) after the verb: 去世了 (passed away). You should be comfortable constructing basic sentences such as '他的爷爷去年去世了' (His grandfather passed away last year). Furthermore, you must firmly establish the cultural rule that this word is strictly reserved for human beings. Using it for a pet dog or cat is a significant error that you must learn to avoid at the A2 level. You should also begin to recognize its usage in simple reading texts, such as short biographies or family descriptions. While you don't need to master complex medical terminology or formal obituaries yet, you should be able to answer simple questions about when someone passed away using basic time words (e.g., 昨天 yesterday, 上个月 last month, 去年 last year). Mastering 去世 at the A2 level demonstrates that you are not just learning Chinese words, but you are also beginning to understand the social and cultural norms that govern how Chinese people communicate about sensitive and emotional topics. It marks a step towards true communicative competence.
As you progress to the B1 intermediate level, your ability to narrate past events and describe situations with greater detail significantly improves. Consequently, your usage of the word 去世 (qù shì) must also become more sophisticated. At this level, simply saying someone 'passed away' is no longer sufficient; you need to be able to express the duration of time since the event occurred and provide basic reasons or contexts. You must master the grammatical structure for expressing duration: Subject + 去世 + Time Duration + 了. For example, you should confidently produce sentences like '他父亲去世已经五年了' (His father has been dead for five years). Notice how English uses an adjective ('dead') while Chinese uses the verb indicating the completed action of passing away followed by the time elapsed. Additionally, B1 learners should be able to combine this verb with common adverbial phrases indicating the cause or manner of death. You should be familiar with collocations such as 因病去世 (to pass away due to illness) or 突然去世 (to pass away suddenly). At this stage, you will also encounter this word more frequently in authentic reading materials, such as news articles about celebrities or historical texts. You should be able to distinguish 去世 from the more blunt 死 (sǐ) and understand why an author chose the polite euphemism. Your listening comprehension should also be sharp enough to catch this word in natural, moderately paced conversations or news reports. By mastering these extended usages and collocations, you demonstrate a solid intermediate grasp of how to discuss life and death with appropriate detail, grammar, and cultural tact.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, you are expected to handle a wide range of topics, including abstract concepts, news reports, and detailed narratives, with a high degree of fluency and cultural appropriateness. Your understanding and usage of 去世 (qù shì) must reflect this advanced capability. At this stage, you are not just using the word in simple family contexts; you are engaging with it in formal media, literature, and complex social discussions. You must be completely comfortable with formal collocations, such as 享年 (xiǎng nián - enjoyed a lifespan of), which is frequently used in written obituaries and news reports (e.g., 他于昨日去世，享年八十岁). Furthermore, a B2 learner must deeply understand the register differences between various words for death. You should be able to articulate why 去世 is used in a specific context instead of 逝世 (shì shì - highly formal, for great figures) or 死亡 (sǐ wáng - clinical, legal). You should be able to read and fully comprehend news articles reporting on tragic events, understanding the nuanced vocabulary used to express condolences and public mourning. In spoken Chinese, you should be able to navigate sensitive conversations with native speakers, offering appropriate condolences (such as 请节哀 qǐng jié āi) when someone mentions a recent 去世. You should also be able to use the word seamlessly in complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses (e.g., 那个刚刚去世的作家是我最喜欢的 - The author who just passed away was my favorite). Mastery at the B2 level means you use the word with the exact same natural intuition, grammatical precision, and cultural sensitivity as an educated native speaker in everyday and semi-formal contexts.
At the C1 advanced level, your proficiency allows you to understand and produce complex, extended discourse on almost any topic, including philosophy, history, and sociology. Your interaction with the word 去世 (qù shì) transcends basic communication and enters the realm of literary appreciation and nuanced socio-cultural analysis. At this level, you will encounter the word in advanced literature, historical biographies, and academic texts. You must be able to comprehend how authors use this word, along with its synonyms, to set a specific tone, establish the social status of a character, or reflect the cultural values of a particular historical period. You should be highly attuned to the subtle emotional resonance of the word and how it functions within the broader context of Chinese euphemisms and politeness strategies. A C1 learner should be able to discuss the concept of death in Chinese culture fluently, using 去世 as a foundational vocabulary item while seamlessly integrating more advanced or specialized terminology as needed. You should be capable of writing formal essays, obituaries, or analytical reports that employ this word correctly alongside sophisticated grammatical structures and rhetorical devices. Furthermore, your listening skills must be acute enough to understand rapid, idiomatic speech or formal broadcasts where the word might be embedded in complex, formal phrasing. At this stage, you are not just using the word to convey information; you are using it to demonstrate your profound mastery of the Chinese language's stylistic variations, cultural depths, and literary traditions.
At the C2 mastery level, your command of the Chinese language is near-native, characterized by an intuitive grasp of the most subtle nuances, idioms, and cultural subtexts. Your relationship with the word 去世 (qù shì) is completely internalized. You understand its etymological roots, its historical evolution, and its exact pragmatic weight in any conceivable situation. At this level, you can effortlessly navigate the entire spectrum of vocabulary related to death, from the most colloquial and regional slang to the most archaic and poetic literary terms, knowing precisely when and why 去世 is the optimal choice. You can analyze how the usage of this word reflects broader sociological trends in modern China, such as shifting attitudes towards death, the impact of urbanization on traditional mourning practices, or the language used in state media versus independent journalism. You are capable of delivering formal eulogies, participating in deep philosophical debates about mortality, or writing highly sophisticated literary critiques, using 去世 and its related lexicon with absolute precision and elegance. You recognize the word not just as a verb, but as a cultural artifact that embodies the Confucian ideals of respect, filial piety, and social harmony. At the C2 level, you do not merely use the language; you inhabit it, and your flawless execution of sensitive vocabulary like 去世 is a testament to your comprehensive and profound mastery of the Chinese linguistic and cultural landscape.
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去世 in 30 Sekunden

  • Means 'to pass away' or 'to die' respectfully.
  • Composed of 'go' (去) and 'world' (世).
  • Strictly used only for human beings, never animals.
  • Functions as an intransitive verb, taking no object.
The Chinese verb 去世 (qù shì) is a highly common and deeply respectful euphemism used to describe the passing of a human being. In Chinese culture, directly referencing death using the word 死 (sǐ) is often considered overly blunt, harsh, or even taboo, especially when discussing respected elders, family members, or public figures. Therefore, understanding and utilizing 去世 is absolutely essential for any learner aiming to achieve cultural fluency and appropriate pragmatic competence in Mandarin. The term is composed of two characters: 去 (qù), meaning 'to go' or 'to leave', and 世 (shì), meaning 'the world' or 'society'. When combined, they literally translate to 'leaving the world', which perfectly encapsulates the gentle, respectful nature of the word. This linguistic construction mirrors the English phrase 'to pass away', serving the exact same function of softening the emotional impact of death.
Literal Meaning
To leave the world.

他的祖父昨天晚上安详地去世了。

When you use this term, you are inherently demonstrating a level of respect and empathy for the deceased and their surviving family members. It is the standard term used in news broadcasts, formal announcements, and polite daily conversation.
Pragmatic Function
Euphemism for death, conveying respect and softening emotional blows.

那位著名的科学家因病去世，享年九十岁。

Furthermore, the usage of this word extends beyond mere vocabulary; it reflects the profound influence of Confucian values on the Chinese language, where filial piety and respect for one's ancestors dictate the very words chosen to describe their end of life.

听到他去世的消息，大家都感到非常悲痛。

Learners must carefully distinguish this from other synonyms like 逝世 (shì shì), which is even more formal and typically reserved for great leaders or highly prominent individuals.
Grammatical Note
It is an intransitive verb and cannot take a direct object.

她丈夫去世后，她独自抚养三个孩子。

In summary, mastering this vocabulary item is not just about learning a new word; it is about learning how to navigate the delicate and emotionally charged topic of mortality within the framework of Chinese cultural norms and linguistic politeness.

老人已经在睡梦中平静地去世了。

Always remember its literal translation, its respectful connotation, and its strict application to human subjects to ensure your Chinese sounds natural, empathetic, and culturally appropriate in all contexts.
Using 去世 (qù shì) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical properties and the specific contexts in which it is deemed appropriate. Grammatically, it functions as an intransitive verb, meaning it describes an action or state that does not transfer to an object. You cannot say '去世 someone'; the person who died is always the subject of the sentence.
Subject Placement
The deceased person must be the subject of the sentence.

我的邻居上个月不幸去世了。

It is very commonly followed by the aspect particle 了 (le) because death is inherently a completed action or a change of state. When expressing how long someone has been dead, the structure is 'Subject + 去世 + Duration + 了'. For example, 'He has been dead for three years' is translated as 他去世三年了.
Time Duration
Place the time duration directly after the verb.

他父亲去世已经快十年了。

It is also frequently modified by adverbial phrases indicating the cause or manner of death. Common modifiers include 因病 (yīn bìng - due to illness), 意外 (yì wài - unexpectedly/by accident), and 突然 (tū rán - suddenly).

那位年轻的演员昨天突然去世，令人惋惜。

In written Chinese, you will often see it paired with the person's age at the time of death, using the formal term 享年 (xiǎng nián - enjoyed a lifespan of).
Formal Collocation
Often used with 享年 (age at death) in obituaries.

作家于北京去世，享年八十五岁。

When speaking to someone who has recently lost a loved one, using this word shows that you acknowledge their loss with the appropriate level of solemnity and respect. You might say '听说您的父亲去世了，请节哀' (I heard your father passed away, please accept my condolences).

得知朋友去世，他立刻赶回了老家。

Mastering these sentence patterns and collocations will significantly enhance your ability to communicate sensitively and accurately about end-of-life events in Mandarin Chinese, ensuring you never inadvertently offend someone during a time of grief.
The term 去世 (qù shì) is ubiquitous across various domains of Chinese communication, ranging from formal news broadcasts to intimate family conversations. Because it strikes the perfect balance between formality and emotional sensitivity, it is the most versatile word for 'to die' in the modern Chinese lexicon.
News Media
Standard terminology used by anchors and journalists.

新闻报道说，那位前总统刚刚去世。

In television and radio news, anchors will almost exclusively use this term when reporting on the deaths of celebrities, politicians, or ordinary citizens involved in tragic events. It provides a professional distance while maintaining human dignity. You will also frequently encounter it in written media, such as newspapers, online articles, and social media posts.
Social Media
Used in tribute posts and public condolences.

网友们纷纷发文悼念刚刚去世的歌手。

In everyday life, you will hear it in hospitals, during funerals, and in private conversations when people are sharing news about relatives or friends. It is the safest and most polite choice when you need to inform someone of a death.

医生遗憾地告诉家属，病人已经去世了。

Furthermore, it is heavily used in literature, biographies, and historical documentaries. When narrating the life story of a historical figure, the narrator will inevitably use this word to mark the end of the person's timeline.
Biographies
Used to document the end of a person's life journey.

李白于公元762年去世。

Even in casual gossip or catching up with old friends, if the topic turns to someone who is no longer living, this is the word that will be used. It avoids the harshness of 死 (sǐ) while being less elevated than 逝世 (shì shì).

你还记得我们高中的王老师吗？他去年去世了。

By familiarizing yourself with these diverse contexts, you will develop a highly attuned ear for the word, allowing you to comprehend news reports, participate in sensitive conversations, and consume Chinese media with a much deeper level of cultural and linguistic understanding.
When learning how to use 去世 (qù shì), students frequently make several predictable errors that stem from direct translation from their native languages or a misunderstanding of Chinese cultural nuances. The most glaring and potentially offensive mistake is using this word to describe the death of an animal.
Animal Restriction
Never use this word for pets or animals.

错误：我的狗昨天去世了。 (Incorrect usage)

Because 去世 implies a departure from the human world and carries a heavy weight of human dignity and respect, applying it to a dog, cat, or any other animal sounds incredibly unnatural and sometimes even comical or disrespectful to native speakers. Another common grammatical mistake is treating the verb as transitive.
Intransitive Nature
Cannot be followed by an object.

错误：疾病去世了他。 (Incorrect grammar)

You cannot say 'The disease passed him away'. The person who died must always be the subject. The correct phrasing would be 他因病去世了 (He passed away due to illness). Additionally, learners often struggle with expressing the duration of time since someone died.

他去世十年了，我们依然怀念他。

A direct translation of 'He has been dead for ten years' might lead a student to say 他死了十年, which, while grammatically understandable, is culturally blunt. Using 去世 is much better, but the structure must be Subject + 去世 + Time Duration + 了.
Register Confusion
Mixing it up with overly formal or overly casual terms.

在正式的讣告中，有时会用更高级的词汇，但去世永远是安全的。

Finally, some learners overcorrect and use extremely formal words like 逝世 (shì shì) for ordinary people, which can sound melodramatic. Conversely, using 死 (sǐ) for a respected elder is highly inappropriate.

记住，谈论长辈时一定要用去世或过世。

By being aware of these common pitfalls—especially the strict human-only rule and the intransitive grammatical structure—you can avoid awkward or offensive situations and speak Chinese with confidence and cultural grace.
The Chinese language is incredibly rich in vocabulary related to death, reflecting the culture's deep historical emphasis on mortality, respect, and social hierarchy. While 去世 (qù shì) is the most versatile and common euphemism, there are several similar words that learners should understand to fully grasp the nuances of the language. The most direct translation for 'to die' is 死 (sǐ).
死 (sǐ)
The basic, blunt word for death. Used for animals, plants, and casually for humans.

相比于死，去世显得更加委婉和尊重。

Another highly common synonym is 过世 (guò shì). This word is almost identical in meaning and usage to 去世, literally meaning 'to pass from the world'. It is frequently used in spoken Chinese and carries the exact same level of respect and euphemistic softening.
过世 (guò shì)
A highly interchangeable synonym, very common in spoken Mandarin.

他的奶奶前几年过世了，和去世的意思一样。

For highly formal contexts, such as the death of a national leader, a renowned scientist, or a famous artist, the term 逝世 (shì shì) is preferred. This is a very elevated, literary term that conveys profound public mourning and historical significance.

伟大领袖的逝世，与普通人的去世在用词上有所区别。

In religious or highly traditional contexts, you might encounter words like 仙逝 (xiān shì), which literally means 'to pass away and become an immortal'. This is an extremely respectful, almost poetic term used for very old and revered individuals.
仙逝 (xiān shì)
Poetic and highly respectful, implying the person has become an immortal.

老道长已经仙逝，这比去世更具宗教色彩。

There are also clinical terms like 死亡 (sǐ wáng), which is the medical and legal term for death. You will see this on death certificates and in statistical reports.

医院的死亡证明上不会写去世，而是写死亡。

Understanding this spectrum of vocabulary—from the blunt 死 to the clinical 死亡, the standard 去世, and the elevated 逝世—allows a learner to navigate Chinese society with precise linguistic accuracy and profound cultural sensitivity.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

""

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

他的爷爷去世了。

His grandfather passed away.

Subject + Verb + 了 (indicating completed action).

2

那个人去世了。

That person passed away.

Basic sentence structure.

3

谁去世了？

Who passed away?

Question word 谁 as the subject.

4

他昨天去世了。

He passed away yesterday.

Time word 昨天 placed before the verb.

5

我的朋友去世了。

My friend passed away.

Possessive pronoun + noun as subject.

6

她没有去世。

She did not pass away.

Negative form using 没有.

7

听说他去世了。

I heard he passed away.

Using 听说 (heard that) to introduce news.

8

老人去世了。

The old person passed away.

Simple noun subject.

1

他因为生病去世了。

He passed away because of illness.

Using 因为 (because) to show cause.

2

她丈夫上个月去世了。

Her husband passed away last month.

Time phrase 上个月.

3

这位好心的医生去世了。

This kind-hearted doctor passed away.

Adjective modifying the subject.

4

他去世的时候很年轻。

He was very young when he passed away.

Using 的时候 (when).

5

奶奶在睡梦中去世了。

Grandma passed away in her sleep.

Prepositional phrase 在睡梦中 indicating manner.

6

他去世三年了。

He has been dead for three years.

Verb + Duration + 了.

7

我们很难过，因为他去世了。

We are very sad because he passed away.

Complex sentence with cause and effect.

8

虽然他去世了，但我们还记得他。

Although he passed away, we still remember him.

虽然...但... (Although... but...) structure.

1

那位著名的作家因心脏病突发而去世。

That famous writer passed away due to a sudden heart attack.

因...而... structure for formal cause and effect.

2

得知他去世的噩耗，大家都感到十分震惊。

Upon learning the bad news of his passing, everyone felt extremely shocked.

Noun phrase 他去世的噩耗.

3

他去世后，把所有的财产都捐给了慈善机构。

After he passed away, he donated all his wealth to charity.

...后 (after...) indicating sequence of events.

4

距离他去世已经整整十年了。

It has been exactly ten years since he passed away.

距离...已经... structure for time elapsed.

5

为了纪念去世的校长，学校建立了一座雕像。

To commemorate the principal who passed away, the school built a statue.

为了 (in order to) + modifying phrase 去世的.

6

只要他还活在我们的记忆里，他就没有真正去世。

As long as he lives in our memories, he hasn't truly passed away.

只要...就... (As long as... then...) conditional.

7

他安详地去世了，没有留下任何遗憾。

He passed away peacefully, without leaving any regrets.

Adverbial modifier 安详地 (peacefully).

8

警方正在调查这位富翁离奇去世的原因。

The police are investigating the cause of this millionaire's bizarre passing.

Complex noun phrase modifying 原因 (cause).

1

该国前总理于今日凌晨在首都医院因病去世，享年八十五岁。

The country's former prime minister passed away due to illness at a capital hospital early this morning at the age of 85.

Highly formal journalistic sentence structure with multiple adverbials.

2

对于他的英年早逝，学术界无不感到痛心疾首。

Regarding his premature passing, the academic community is universally heartbroken.

Using related idiom 英年早逝 (premature death).

3

讣告中写道，老先生一生勤恳，最终在家人陪伴下平静去世。

The obituary stated that the old gentleman was diligent all his life and finally passed away peacefully accompanied by his family.

Formal narrative style.

4

尽管他已经去世多年，他的思想依然深刻地影响着现代社会。

Even though he has been dead for many years, his thoughts still profoundly influence modern society.

尽管...依然... concession structure.

5

家属表示，将遵照死者生前遗愿，丧事从简，不举行大型追悼会。

The family stated that they will follow the deceased's final wishes, keep the funeral simple, and not hold a large memorial service.

Contextual vocabulary related to 去世 (丧事, 遗愿).

6

他去世的消息犹如晴天霹雳，打破了小镇的宁静。

The news of his passing was like a bolt from the blue, breaking the tranquility of the small town.

Use of simile (犹如) and idiom (晴天霹雳).

7

随着老一代手艺人的相继去世，这项传统技艺面临着失传的危险。

With the successive passing of the older generation of craftsmen, this traditional skill faces the danger of being lost.

随着...的... (Along with the...) structure.

8

在得知挚友去世后，他悲痛欲绝，整整三天水米未进。

After learning of his close friend's passing, he was overwhelmed with grief and didn't eat or drink for three whole days.

Advanced emotional expressions (悲痛欲绝).

1

大师的溘然长逝，标志着一个辉煌艺术时代的终结，令人扼腕叹息。

The master's sudden passing marks the end of a glorious artistic era, leaving people sighing in despair.

Using literary synonym 溘然长逝.

2

纵观历史，无数仁人志士为了民族的解放事业而慷慨赴死，他们的精神永垂不朽。

Looking throughout history, countless people with high ideals generously went to their deaths for the cause of national liberation; their spirit is immortal.

Contrasting 去世 with 赴死 in a historical context.

3

在探讨生命哲学的研讨会上，学者们就‘如何面对亲人去世所带来的存在主义危机’展开了激烈的辩论。

At the seminar on the philosophy of life, scholars engaged in a fierce debate on 'how to face the existential crisis brought about by the passing of a loved one'.

Academic phrasing and abstract concepts.

4

那部纪录片以细腻的镜头语言，真实地记录了病患从确诊到最终去世的整个心路历程。

That documentary used delicate visual language to authentically record the patient's entire psychological journey from diagnosis to final passing.

Complex object phrase describing a process.

5

与其沉溺于亲人去世的悲痛中无法自拔，不如化悲痛为力量，更好地延续他们的生命价值。

Rather than wallowing in the grief of a loved one's passing and being unable to extricate oneself, it is better to turn grief into strength and better continue the value of their lives.

与其...不如... (Rather than... it is better to...) structure.

6

古代帝王驾崩与平民百姓的去世，在史书上的记载方式有着天壤之别，这深刻反映了当时的阶级制度。

The passing of ancient emperors (jià bēng) and the passing of commoners are recorded in historical books in vastly different ways, which profoundly reflects the class system of that time.

Comparing different registers of death vocabulary.

7

面对突如其来的变故，她展现出了常人难以企及的坚韧，在丈夫去世后独自撑起了整个家族的重担。

Facing the sudden misfortune, she showed a resilience beyond ordinary people, single-handedly bearing the heavy burden of the entire family after her husband's passing.

Advanced narrative structure and vocabulary.

8

这部小说的开篇便以主人公祖母的去世为引子，巧妙地铺陈开了一幅波澜壮阔的家族兴衰史卷。

The opening of this novel uses the passing of the protagonist's grandmother as an introduction, cleverly laying out a magnificent historical scroll of the family's rise and fall.

Literary analysis terminology.

1

在庄子看来，生死不过是气之聚散，故而对于妻子的去世，他能鼓盆而歌，展现出超然物外的豁达生死观。

In Zhuangzi's view, life and death are merely the gathering and dispersing of qi; therefore, regarding his wife's passing, he could drum on a basin and sing, demonstrating a magnanimous view of life and death that transcends the material world.

Philosophical discourse and classical references.

2

现代医学的进步虽然极大地延长了人类的寿命，但同时也引发了关于‘过度医疗是否剥夺了患者尊严去世权利’的深刻伦理争议。

Although the progress of modern medicine has greatly extended human lifespan, it has also triggered profound ethical controversies regarding 'whether excessive medical treatment deprives patients of the right to pass away with dignity'.

Complex socio-ethical debate phrasing.

3

语言学研究表明，汉语中关于‘去世’的委婉语系统之庞大与精细，折射出汉民族心理深层对死亡的敬畏与忌讳交织的复杂情感。

Linguistic research shows that the vastness and precision of the euphemism system for 'passing away' in Chinese reflects the complex emotions intertwining reverence and taboo towards death deep within the psychology of the Han nationality.

Academic linguistic analysis.

4

那篇悼文不仅是对逝者生平的追忆，更是借由其去世，对整个时代精神的陨落发出了一声沉痛的时代挽歌。

That eulogy is not only a reminiscence of the deceased's life, but also, through their passing, a sorrowful elegy for the fall of the spirit of the entire era.

Highly literary and metaphorical language.

5

在宗法社会中，家族长辈的去世往往意味着权力结构的重新洗牌，由此引发的家族内斗在历代笔记小说中屡见不鲜。

In a patriarchal society, the passing of a family elder often means a reshuffling of the power structure, and the resulting internal family struggles are frequently seen in sketchbooks and novels of past dynasties.

Sociological and historical analysis.

6

他将毕生精力倾注于这项浩大的工程，直至临近去世，依然在病榻上审阅着最后的设计图纸，真正做到了鞠躬尽瘁，死而后已。

He poured his lifelong energy into this massive project, and even as he approached passing away, he was still reviewing the final design blueprints on his sickbed, truly achieving 'bending to the task and sparing no effort unto his dying day'.

Integration of advanced idioms (鞠躬尽瘁，死而后已).

7

面对无可挽回的绝症，如何帮助患者克服对去世的恐惧，实现心理上的宁静与和解，是临终关怀领域的核心课题。

Facing an irreversible terminal illness, how to help patients overcome the fear of passing away and achieve psychological peace and reconciliation is the core subject in the field of hospice care.

Professional psychological/medical terminology.

8

作家以极其克制而冷峻的笔触，描写了战争中无数普通人的草芥般去世，从而构筑了对战争本质最深刻的控诉。

The writer used extremely restrained and grim strokes to describe the passing of countless ordinary people like weeds in the war, thereby constructing the most profound accusation against the nature of war.

Advanced literary critique.

Häufige Kollokationen

不幸去世
突然去世
因病去世
已经去世
刚刚去世
意外去世
离奇去世
安详去世
悲惨去世
早年去世

Häufige Phrasen

去世多年

去世不久

去世的消息

在...去世

去世前

Wird oft verwechselt mit

去世 vs 死

去世 vs 逝世

去世 vs 死亡

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Leicht verwechselbar

去世 vs

去世 vs

去世 vs

去世 vs

去世 vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

nuance

Respectful, standard euphemism.

frequency

Extremely high in relevant contexts.

literal translation

To go from the world.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 去世 for animals (e.g., 我的猫去世了).
  • Treating it as a transitive verb (e.g., 癌症去世了他).
  • Incorrect time duration grammar (e.g., 他去世了五年).
  • Using it disrespectfully or jokingly.
  • Confusing it with the clinical term 死亡 in everyday speech.

Tipps

Intransitive Rule

Always remember that 去世 is an intransitive verb. It cannot take a direct object. The deceased person is always the subject. E.g., 他去世了 (He passed away).

The Pet Rule

Never, ever use 去世 to describe the death of a pet or animal. It is a severe categorical error in Chinese. Use 死 (sǐ) for animals. Reserve 去世 strictly for human beings.

Time Duration Placement

When stating how long someone has been dead, place the time duration after the verb and before the final 了. Structure: Subject + 去世 + Time + 了. E.g., 他去世三年了.

去世 vs 逝世

Use 去世 for ordinary people, family, and friends. It is standard and polite. Reserve 逝世 for great leaders, famous scientists, or highly revered public figures in formal writing.

Expressing Cause

To say someone died 'of' something, use 因 (yīn - due to) before the cause, then 去世. E.g., 因病去世 (passed away due to illness). This is a very common and natural phrasing.

Tone Practice

Both characters in qù shì are 4th tone (falling). Practice saying them with a clear, downward inflection. However, keep your overall vocal tone respectful and subdued given the meaning.

News Broadcasts

Listen to Chinese news segments about obituaries. You will hear 去世 used constantly. Pay attention to the formal structures that surround it, like 享年 (age at death).

Obituaries

If you ever need to write a formal notice of passing in Chinese, 去世 is your safest and most appropriate verb choice. It strikes the perfect balance of respect and clarity.

Offering Condolences

When someone uses this word to tell you about a loss, respond with 请节哀 (qǐng jié āi - please accept my condolences). This shows high cultural competence.

Literal Translation

Remember the literal translation: 去 (go) + 世 (world) = leave the world. This helps you remember both the meaning and the respectful, euphemistic nature of the word.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine someone 'going' (去) away from this 'world' (世).

Wortherkunft

Ancient Chinese

Kultureller Kontext

Never use this word for animals. Avoid discussing death during festive occasions like Chinese New Year.

Highly polite and standard.

Universally understood across all Mandarin-speaking regions.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"你听说那位著名的演员去世了吗？"

"他爷爷是什么时候去世的？"

"面对亲人的去世，我们应该如何安慰朋友？"

"你觉得在新闻中用‘去世’和‘死亡’有什么区别？"

"如果宠物死了，为什么不能用‘去世’？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when you heard about the passing (去世) of someone famous you admired.

Write a short biography of a historical figure, noting when they passed away (去世).

Reflect on how your native language uses euphemisms for death compared to Chinese.

Write a fictional news report about a sudden passing.

Explain the grammatical rules of using 去世 with time durations.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, you absolutely cannot. In Chinese culture, 去世 is strictly reserved for human beings to show respect and human dignity. Using it for an animal sounds unnatural, comical, or even offensive. For pets, you should use the word 死 (sǐ) or specific terms like 老死 (die of old age). This is a very strict cultural and linguistic rule.

死 (sǐ) is the direct, blunt, and literal word for 'to die'. It can be used for humans, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects (like a dead battery). 去世 (qù shì) is a polite euphemism meaning 'to pass away'. It softens the emotional blow and shows respect, and is only used for humans.

The correct grammatical structure is Subject + 去世 + Time Duration + 了. So, you would say 他去世五年了 (Tā qù shì wǔ nián le). Do not say 他死了五年 or 他去世了五年. The verb indicates the completed action, and the time duration shows how long the state has lasted.

No, it is not too formal. It is the standard, polite way to talk about death in everyday conversation. While there are more formal words like 逝世 (shì shì), 去世 is perfectly appropriate for talking to friends, family, or colleagues about someone's passing.

No, 去世 is an intransitive verb. This means the action does not transfer to an object. The person who died must be the subject of the sentence. You cannot say 'something passed away someone'; you must say 'someone passed away due to something'.

The character 世 (shì) means 'world', 'generation', or 'society'. In the context of 去世, it refers to the physical world of the living. Combined with 去 (to go), the word literally paints a picture of someone leaving this world.

A standard and polite way to express condolences in Chinese is to say 请节哀 (qǐng jié āi), which roughly translates to 'please restrain your grief' or 'my condolences'. You can also say 听到这个消息我很难过 (I am very sad to hear this news).

Yes, you can. It is very common in biographies and historical texts. However, for extremely prominent historical figures, leaders, or great scholars, writers might choose the even more formal and elevated term 逝世 (shì shì) to show profound historical respect.

The pinyin is qù shì. Both characters are pronounced with the fourth tone (falling tone). It sounds sharp and definitive. Practicing the double fourth tone is important for clear pronunciation.

Yes, 过世 (guò shì) is a very close synonym that means the exact same thing and is used in the exact same way, particularly in spoken Mandarin. Both are polite euphemisms for passing away.

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