Definition
上天 is a separable verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to go up to the sky' — literally 上 'ascend' + 天 'sky'. It is also a euphemism for 'to die' (pass away to heaven). As a separable verb, you can insert aspect markers or measure words between the two characters, e.g. 上了天 ('went up to the sky') or 上过一次天 ('went up to the sky once'). Note that 上天 also functions as a noun meaning 'Heaven, Providence, God', but that usage is a separate part of speech not covered by this v.o. entry.
v.o.
to go up to the sky(euphemism) to dieto pass away
Examples
- 上天，。Huǒjiàn shàng tiān le, dàjiā dōu huānhū qǐlái.The rocket went up to the sky, and everyone cheered.
- 上天，。Lǎorén yǐjīng shàng tiān le, qǐng jié'āi.The elderly person has passed away, please accept my condolences.
- 。Tā zhè bèizi zhǐ shàng guò yí cì tiān.In his whole life, he has only gone up to the sky once.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.