tử sinh
Definition
- Noun:
- Life and death: The fundamental and inseparable states of existence and cessation of life. It refers to the critical cycle of being alive and dying, often used in philosophical, literary, or solemn contexts to discuss fate, struggle, or profound matters.
- A matter of life and death: Describes an extremely grave, urgent, or critical situation where survival is at stake.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Đó là vấn đề tử sinh. (That is a matter of life and death.)
- Tình bạn của họ đã trải qua những thử thách tử sinh. (Their friendship has endured life-and-death trials.)
- Anh ấy bình thản đối mặt với lẽ tử sinh. (He calmly faces the truth of life and death.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in classical and literary Vietnamese to convey deep philosophical weight or dramatic gravity. It is not typically used in casual, everyday conversation but rather in formal writing, poetry, or serious discourse.
Variants and Related Words
- Sinh tử (n): This is a common variant with the same core meaning (life and death). The order "sinh tử" (life-death) is also frequently used, sometimes with a slightly less literary tone than "tử sinh" (death-life).
- Cuộc chiến sinh tử. (A life-and-death battle.)
Synonyms
- Life and death: The combined, inseparable concept of living and dying.
- Mortal: Involving the possibility of death (e.g., a mortal wound).
Related Idioms
Bước đường tử sinh: The path of life and death; a journey or phase filled with extreme danger and uncertainty.
- Người lính bước vào bước đường tử sinh. (The soldier stepped onto the path of life and death.)
Chuyện tử sinh: A life-and-death matter; a story or affair of utmost seriousness.
- Đừng xem thường, đây là chuyện tử sinh đấy. (Don't take it lightly; this is a life-and-death matter.)