wong5 sang1往生

Jyutpingwong5 sang1

Yalewóhng sāng

動詞

Definition

To pass away, referring in Buddhism to the soul departing for another realm to begin a new life.

neutralpeopleother

How it's used

This term carries a respectful and spiritual tone, specifically rooted in Buddhist beliefs regarding reincarnation. It serves as a euphemism to avoid the bluntness of words like 死, making it appropriate for consoling families or discussing the deceased in a formal or religious context. Using it outside of a Buddhist or respectful context can sound overly dramatic or out of place.

Examples

keoi5佢lou5老jan4人gaa1家ji5已ging1經wong5往sang1生zo2咗laa3喇。

The elderly person has already passed away.

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知keoi5佢gei2幾si4時wong5往sang1生㗎？

Do you know when they passed away?

Common phrases

wong5往sang1生zing6淨tou2土

to attain rebirth in the Pure Land

Common mistake

Avoid using this word in casual, everyday conversation about death, as it sounds overly formal or religious. It is not a general-purpose synonym for dying and should be reserved for contexts where the spiritual transition of the soul is being acknowledged.