Definition
归天 is a euphemistic verb phrase meaning 'to pass away', used primarily for elderly or respected people. The characters literally mean 'return to heaven', reflecting a traditional Chinese view that a person's soul returns to the heavens after death. It is a fixed compound (not typically split as a separable verb) and is more formal or reverent than neutral terms like 死 or the common euphemism 走了. Use it when you want to express respect and avoid bluntness.
v.o.
(euphemism, formal) to pass awayto die (for elderly/respectable persons)
Examples
- 归天。Lǎorén jiǔshí duō suì shí ānxiáng de guī tiān le.The elderly man passed away peacefully at over ninety years old.
- 归天。Cūn lǐ rén dōu shuō Zhāng nǎinai shì jīdé xiūfú cái ānxiáng guī tiān de.The villagers all say that Granny Zhang accumulated virtue and blessings, so she passed away peacefully.
- 归天。Tā búxìng guī tiān de xiāoxi ràng quánjiā rén bēitòng bùyǐ.The news of his unfortunate passing filled the whole family with deep grief.
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