Definition
在世 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to be alive' or 'to be living (in this world)'. The negative form 不在世 (often shortened to 不在) is extremely common when referring to someone who has passed away. You can insert 不 or 还 between the two characters: 不在世 ('not alive'), 还在世 ('still alive'). It is used for formal or respectful contexts, especially when talking about deceased relatives.
v.o.
to be alive (in the world)to be living
Examples
- 在世，。Tā de fùmǔ dōu hái zài shì, shēntǐ hěn jiànkāng.His parents are still alive and in good health.
- 在世，。Nà wèi zuòjiā yǐjīng bú zài shì le, dàn zuòpǐn yīrán liúchuán.That writer has already passed away, but his works still circulate.
- 在世，。Zhǐyào wǒ zài shì yì tiān, jiù bú huì fàngqì zhège mèngxiǎng.As long as I'm alive, I won't give up this dream.
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