人生自古谁无死

人生自古誰無死

rénshēng zìgǔ shéi wú sǐ

quotation

Meanings

1 since ancient times, who in life has not had to die?
2 everyone must die, but what matters is how you live and for what

Characters

not have; never

Examples

HSK 7-9

人生自古谁无死，留取丹心照汗青。

Rénshēng zìgǔ shéi wú sǐ, liúqǔ dānxīn zhào hànqīng.

Since of old who has not died? Let my loyal heart shine on the pages of history.

HSK 7-9

面对困难要有‘人生自古谁无死’的豪气。

Miànduì kùnnán yào yǒu ' rénshēng zìgǔ shéi wú sǐ ' de háoqì.

Facing hardship, one should have the valiant spirit of 'since of old who has not died?'

Tips

history

From 文天祥's 《过零丁洋》 (Southern Song): 人生自古谁无死，留取丹心照汗青 (Since ancient times no human has escaped death; let my loyal heart illuminate the pages of history.) Written after his capture by the Mongols; he chose martyrdom over surrender.

usage

谁 in classical verse is pronounced shéi (modern standard) or shuí (older/literary). Quoted with 留取丹心照汗青 as a single declaration of martyr's resolve.

Stroke Order

人 rén

生 shēng

自 zì

古 gǔ

谁 shéi

无 wú

死 sǐ