亡 (wáng) - to perish & to die

亡Tone 2

wáng ｜ 3 strokes ｜ radical: 亠

万响

亡 · wáng

to perish;

to die;

to flee;

to lose;

deceased;

to be destroyed;

to be extinct

to perishto dieto flee

Usage highlights

to perishto fleeto dieto be lostdeceased fatherextinct species

Synonyms

  • 死— to die
  • 逝— to pass away
  • 殁— to die (formal)

Antonyms

  • 生— to live; life
  • 存— to exist; to survive
  • 活— to live; alive

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The dynasty perished (王朝灭亡).
  • He died young (他英年早亡).
  • They fled to another country (他们逃亡到国外).
  • The company suffered huge losses (公司损失惨亡).

Collocations

  • to perish(灭亡)
  • to flee(逃亡)
  • to die(死亡)
  • to be lost(亡失)
  • deceased father(亡父)
  • extinct species(亡种)

Idioms

  • The nation is in peril(亡国之音)
  • Fleeing for life(亡命之徒)
  • The deer is lost(逐鹿中原，不知鹿死谁手，谓之亡鹿)
  • To die without a proper burial(死无葬身之地，谓之亡魂)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient texts, 亡 often meant 'to flee' or 'to be lost', later extended to mean 'to die'.
  • Used in historical contexts to describe the fall of dynasties or states (e.g., 亡国).
  • In traditional Chinese culture, 亡 carries a solemn tone, often associated with misfortune or loss.

FAQ