Definition
作古 is a formal, euphemistic verb meaning 'to pass away' or 'to die', used in written or respectful contexts (obituaries, historical accounts). It is a separable verb (离合词): the object or measure word can split the two syllables, e.g. 作了古 ('passed away'). Avoid using it in casual conversation — use 去世 or 走了 instead.
v.o.
(euphemism, formal) to pass awayto die
Examples
- 作古。Zhè wèi lǎo zuòjiā yǐ yú qùnián zuò gǔ.This elderly writer passed away last year.
- 。Tā zǔfù zài kàngzhàn qījiān zuò le gǔ.His grandfather passed away during the War of Resistance.
- 作古。Shū zhōng jìzǎi le xǔduō yīngxióng zuò gǔ de gùshì.The book records many stories of heroes passing away.
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