死ぬ

• Reading: しぬ
• Romaji: shinu
• Kanji breakdown: 死 (shi/shi) — death, to die
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.nɯ/

Meaning

To die; to pass away. The only Japanese verb ending in ぬ that follows regular conjugation.

A Group 1 (godan) verb and the only modern Japanese verb ending in ぬ (死んで, 死んだ, 死にます). While direct, it is commonly used in everyday speech. Polite alternatives include 亡くなる (to pass away) for formal or sensitive contexts. Also used casually in hyperbole: 疲れて死にそう (I'm so tired I could die).

Examples

1. その花は水がなくて死んでしまった。 That flower died because it didn't get any water.
2. 暑くて死にそうです。 It's so hot I could die.
3. 祖父は90歳で亡くなりました。 My grandfather passed away at the age of 90.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, hyperbole, life events

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 死 combines 歹 (bones/death) with 匕 (a person), representing a person reduced to bones. One of the most ancient kanji concepts, found in the earliest Chinese oracle bone inscriptions.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal