死(し)

し

noun

death

1. death

The cessation of life; the state of being dead. Used as a direct, uneuphemistic term for death in medical, philosophical, literary, and everyday contexts.

死(し)を恐(おそ)れない。

To not fear death.

彼(かれ)の突然(とつぜん)の死(し)に皆(みな)驚(おどろ)いた。

Everyone was shocked by his sudden death.

哲学(てつがく)では古(ふる)くから生(せい)と死(し)について様々(さまざま)な議論(ぎろん)がなされてきた。

In philosophy, various discussions about life and death have been conducted since ancient times.

Usage

A direct and uneuphemistic word for death. The pair 生(せい)と死(し) (life and death) is a common philosophical pairing. In compounds, 死(し) appears as a prefix or suffix in many words related to death (e.g., 死因(しいん), 死者(ししゃ), 死去(しきょ)).

Note on reading

The number 4 (四(し)) is considered unlucky in Japanese culture because it is a homophone of 死(し) (death). This superstition affects building floor numbering, hospital room numbers, and gift-giving.

Common collocations

生(せい)と死(し): life and death
死(し)を恐(おそ)れる: to fear death
死(し)に直面(ちょくめん)する: to face death
死(し)を覚悟(かくご)する: to resign oneself to death
脳(のう)死(し): brain death

Related Words

Related: 死因(しいん) (cause of death)

Related: 死者(ししゃ) (the dead)

Related: 死去(しきょ) (passing away)

Related: 死(し)ぬ (to die (verb))

general

Added 2026.2.24 15:49 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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