出生入死
chū shēng rù sǐ
Risking life and limb
Facing extreme peril and putting one's life on the line is the core meaning. It describes situations where individuals repeatedly encounter life-threatening dangers. This idiom emphasizes courage and resilience in the face of mortal risk.
What does 出生入死 (chū shēng rù sǐ) mean?
出生入死 (chū shēng rù sǐ) means "risking life and limb" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "emerge from life, enter death."
Character by character
- 出 chū go out, emerge
- 生 shēng life, live
- 入 rù enter, go into
- 死 sǐ death, die
When to use it
Often used to describe soldiers, comrades, or adventurers who have endured severe hardships and dangers together. It implies a deep bond forged through shared experiences of survival. It's generally used in a serious, often heroic, context.
Example
这些是跟我出生入死的兄弟。
Zhèxiē shì gēn wǒ chū shēng rù sǐ de xiōngdi.
These are my brothers who have risked life and limb with me.
Pro tip: The structure of this idiom highlights a continuous process of moving between safety and danger, rather than a single event. It suggests repeated exposure to mortal threats.
Related idioms
不知不觉 · Unconscious realization不知所措 · Feeling at a loss粗心大意 · Carelessness and negligence
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →