生死 shēngsǐ life or death
How to remember 生死: 生 life + 死 die = life or death.
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How it is used
- Life and death (as a paired stake) - 生死攸关 (shēngsǐ yōuguān) a matter of life and death; 生死之交 (a friendship to the death).
- A fixed binomial used to dramatize the highest stakes or deepest bonds (同生死, 共患难).
- Rarely two separate ideas; treat 生死 as one concept meaning 'survival itself is on the line'.