Definition
安息 has two main uses. Literally it means 'to rest' or 'to go to sleep', often in formal or literary contexts. More commonly it is used as a euphemism for someone who has passed away, similar to 'rest in peace' in English—you see it on tombstones and in condolence expressions like 安息吧 ('may he rest in peace'). The word carries a respectful, solemn tone.
v.
(euphemism for death) to rest in peacemay the deceased rest(formal) to restto go to sleep
Examples
- “安息”。Tā zài mù qián shuō le yì shēng “ān xī ba”.He said 'Rest in peace' in front of the grave.
- 安息。Zuówǎn wǒ zhōngyú kěyǐ hǎohǎo ān xī le.Last night I could finally rest well.
- 安息。Zhè wèi lǎorén ān xī zài gùxiāng de ní tǔ lǐ.The elderly man rests in the soil of his hometown.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.