去世

• Pinyin: qù shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 去 = 土 (earth) + 厶 (private), meaning to go or leave; 世 = three horizontal strokes representing generations, meaning world or lifetime

Meaning

To pass away; to die. A respectful and euphemistic way to say someone has died.

The most common polite term for death in Chinese, much like 'pass away' in English. More respectful than 死 (die), which can sound blunt. Used in conversation, news, and formal announcements. Typically used for humans, not animals. Appropriate in all social contexts when discussing someone's death.

Examples

1. 他的爷爷上个月去世了，享年九十二岁。 His grandfather passed away last month at the age of ninety-two.
2. 听到她去世的消息，大家都很难过。 Upon hearing the news of her passing, everyone felt very sad.
3. 这位伟大的科学家在去年去世了。 This great scientist passed away last year.

Usage Guide

Context: obituaries, condolences, news, conversation

Tone: solemn

Do Say

• 他的父亲两年前去世了。(His father passed away two years ago.)
• 听说她去世了，我非常难过。(I'm very sad to hear she passed away.)

Don't Say

• 我的金鱼去世了。(Avoid using 去世 for pets or animals — it's reserved for humans. Use 死了 for animals.)

Origin & History

去 means to go or leave; 世 means the world or lifetime. Together they literally mean 'to leave the world' — a gentle euphemism for death that frames it as a departure.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal