虽死犹生 — “To die a worthy or significant death”

虽死犹生 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to die a worthy or significant death”. Leaving a lasting legacy, influence, or spirit that continues to exist and inspire, as if one were still alive. Literally, “Though dead, still alive”.

Frequency

虽死犹生 Pronunciation and Pinyin

虽死犹生 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
虽	suī	9	even though
死	sǐ	6	to die
犹	yóu	7	still, yet, or like
生	shēng	5	to be born, grow, or live

Example Sentence with 虽死犹生

那些为真理和正义奉献一生的人，他们的精神光芒永远照耀着后人，可谓虽死犹生

Those who dedicated their lives to truth and justice, their spiritual light forever shines upon future generations, truly living on even after their demise.

Origin and Story of 虽死犹生

During the Northern Wei dynasty, Emperor Xiaowen (Yuan Hong) had a younger brother named Yuan Xi, who was the Prince of Xianyang. Yuan Xi actively supported Emperor Xiaowen's reforms and worked to strengthen ties with the Han people. Following Emperor Xiaowen's will, he was entrusted with assisting the young emperor Yuan Ke.

However, over time, Yuan Xi grew arrogant due to his contributions and began to plot a rebellion. When his conspiracy was uncovered, he had no choice but to flee with his loyal follower, Yin Longhu.

Yin Longhu, demonstrating unwavering loyalty, was willing to share all hardships with Yuan Xi, believing that to die for him would be 'though dead, still alive,' meaning his spirit and loyalty would endure beyond death.