Definition
尸体 (shī tǐ) is the neutral, clinical term for a dead body, used for both humans and animals. It contrasts with 遗体 (yí tǐ), which is a respectful term used only for a human corpse, especially in formal or reverential settings (e.g., funerals, memorials). While both use the measure word 具, 遗体 carries a tone of dignity that 尸体 lacks.
noun
dead bodycorpse
Measure word · 具
Easily confused
- 实体shí tǐsound-alikeentity (e.g., legal entity, business entity)
- 试题shì tísound-alikeexam question; test problem
Examples
- 尸体。Fǎyī zhèngzài jiǎnchá zhè jù shī tǐ.The forensic examiner is examining this corpse.
- 尸体。Tāmen zài fèixū zhōng fāxiàn le yí jù shī tǐ.They found a dead body in the ruins.
- 尸体。Zhè jù shī tǐ de shēnfèn shàng wèi quèrèn.The identity of this corpse has not yet been confirmed.
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