cling to life; fear death
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to cling to life; to be reluctant to die; to value one's own life above duty or honor
derogatoryUsually carries a derogatory connotation, describing someone who prioritizes self-preservation over moral obligations, bravery, or sacrifice. Often appears in the set phrase 贪生怕死.
Tā他
shì是
gè个
tān贪
shēng生
pà怕
sǐ死
zhī之
tú徒
，
zài在
wēi危
jí急
guān关
tóu头
zhǐ只
gù顾
zì自
jǐ己
táo逃
mìng命
。
He is a coward who clings to life and fears death, fleeing for his own life at the critical moment.
Dà大
zhàng丈
fu夫
qǐ岂
néng能
tān贪
shēng生
，
ér而
wàng忘
què却
jiā家
guó国
dà大
yì义
？
How can a true man cling to life and forget the great righteousness of family and country?
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Tān贪
shēng生
pà怕
sǐ死
shì是
rén人
zhī之
cháng常
qíng情
，
dàn但
zài在
zhàn战
chǎng场
shàng上
què却
shì是
kě可
chǐ耻
de的
。
Fearing death and clinging to life is human nature, but on the battlefield it is shameful.