善终

善終
shànzhōng
verb #30,532

Meanings

  1. 1 to die peacefully (of natural causes)
  2. 2 to come to a good end
  3. 3 to end well (of a project, relationship, or undertaking)

Examples

Tā huó dào jiǔshí suì, déyǐ shànzhōng.
He lived to ninety and passed away peacefully.
Zhè zhǒng qī rén tài shèn de rén bù huì yǒu shànzhōng.
People who push others around like this never come to a good end.

Tips

culture
In Chinese tradition, 善终 (a peaceful, dignified death of old age, surrounded by family) is one of the 'five blessings' () — alongside long life, prosperity, health, and virtue. The negative 不得善终 ('to not die well') is a heavy curse.
usage
Two senses: (1) 'to die peacefully,' usually praising a long, complete life; (2) figuratively, 'to end well' for partnerships, projects, dynasties — 善始善终 ('begin and end well') is a common four-character phrase.

Stroke Order

shàn
zhōng