Definition
宁死不屈 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'would rather die than submit' — it describes an unyielding, principled person who refuses to surrender or compromise even under mortal threat. Use it to praise someone's unwavering moral courage, often in war, resistance, or political contexts.
f.e.
would rather die than submitto prefer death over surrender
Examples
- 宁死不屈,。Tā zài dírén de yánxíng kǎodǎ xià nìng sǐ bù qū, lìng rén jìngpèi.He would rather die than submit under the enemy's brutal torture, earning people's admiration.
- 宁死不屈。Zhèxiē nìng sǐ bù qū de yīngxióng zhídé wǒmen yǒngyuǎn míngjì.These heroes who would rather die than submit deserve our eternal remembrance.
- 宁死不屈。Liú Húlán nìng sǐ bù qū de jīngshén jīlì le yí dài yòu yí dài rén.Liu Hulan's spirit of preferring death over surrender has inspired generation after generation.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.