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

HSK 6
Tā huó dào jiǔshí suì, déyǐ shànzhōng.
He lived to ninety and passed away peacefully.
HSK 7-9
Zhèzhǒng qī rén tài shèn de rén búhuì 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' (五福) - 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