死
JLPT N4
Die, death
Readings
On’yomi: シ (shi)
Kun’yomi: し(ぬ) (shi(nu))
• し.ぬ (shinu) – to die
Structure
Composition:
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Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
死ぬ
しぬ
to die
死亡
しぼう
death
死体
したい
corpse
必死
ひっし
desperate
生死
せいし
life and death
Example Sentences
花が枯れて死にました。
はな が かれて しにました。
The flower withered and died.
必死に頑張ります。
ひっし に がんばります。
I will try desperately.
Cultural Note
☯️ Death (死) holds deep and delicate meaning in Japanese culture.
While traditionally a taboo topic, it is treated with respect and ritual.
• The number 4 (四, “shi”) shares the same pronunciation as “death,” so it’s often avoided — e.g., hospitals may skip room number 4.
• Funeral customs (葬式, そうしき) are guided by Buddhist practices: cleansing the body, incense, and chanting to aid the soul’s journey.
• Despite the fear surrounding “死,” there’s also an aesthetic acceptance of impermanence, known as 無常 (むじょう) — “nothing lasts forever,” a central concept in Japanese art, poetry, and philosophy.
“To live fully, one must understand death — that is the balance of life (生と死).” 🌸
While traditionally a taboo topic, it is treated with respect and ritual.
• The number 4 (四, “shi”) shares the same pronunciation as “death,” so it’s often avoided — e.g., hospitals may skip room number 4.
• Funeral customs (葬式, そうしき) are guided by Buddhist practices: cleansing the body, incense, and chanting to aid the soul’s journey.
• Despite the fear surrounding “死,” there’s also an aesthetic acceptance of impermanence, known as 無常 (むじょう) — “nothing lasts forever,” a central concept in Japanese art, poetry, and philosophy.
“To live fully, one must understand death — that is the balance of life (生と死).” 🌸