(yào sǐ) - terribly, to death (intensifier), about to die in Mandarin
yàosǐTraditional: 要死
Translation
terribly, to death (intensifier), about to die
Word origin
A compound of 要 (yào, about to, will) and 死 (sǐ, to die), literally about to die, used colloquially to exaggerate a degree.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 要 (yào, about to) + 死 (sǐ, to die)
Stroke order
要
死
Examples
。
I am tired to death.
。
It is terribly hot today.
。
She was nervous to death.
。
This question is dreadfully difficult.
。
I am starving to death.
要死 (yào sǐ) literally means about to die, but in speech it works as a strong intensifier, as in 累得要死 (tired to death). It follows 得 after an adjective to push the degree to an extreme.
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要死: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "要死" (terribly, to death (intensifier), about to die): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 38.