The term “杀 (shā)” is used to indicate causing the death of someone or something, akin to the usage of “kill” in English.
杀人(shārén): v. kill/murder
shārén fànfǎ
杀人犯法。
It’s illegal to kill.
tā shārén le.
他杀人了。
He killed someone.
Given the popularity of the game 王者荣耀(wángzhě róngyào) in recent years, there’s a large chance you’ve heard the announcement, “双杀(shuāng shā) Double kill!” or “三杀(sān shā) Triple kill!” blare from someone’s phone when multiple enemies in a row were killed.
However, despite the announcement being in English, Chinese characters appeared on the screen.
双杀(shuāng shā): double kill
三杀 (sān shā): triple kill
Example:
wǒ yóuxì zhōng dì yī cì shuāngshā le, wǒ zhēnshì tài kāixīn le.
我游戏中第一次双杀了，我真是太开心了。
I got my first in-game double kill, I was so happy.
“杀” is also found in other contexts. The word also means to put an end to something, like a film sequence or project, e.g. Although the announcement is in English, Chinese characters popped up on the screen.
杀青(shāqīng): v. wrap up
zhè bù piānzǐ jìhuà xià zhōu shāqīng.
这部片子计划下周杀青。
The movie is scheduled to wrap up next week.
Over the years, new expressions and usages of “to kill” have emerged, with connotations that are quite different from the English meanings.
For example, phrases like, “眼神杀(yǎnshén shā)”, “摸头杀(mōtóu shā)”, and “侧颜杀(cèyán shā)”; the “killing” here is charming, rather than alarming, and even tongue-in-cheek depending on the situation.
眼神杀(yǎnshén shā): killing with one’s eyes
This expression primarily describes an actor’s eyes during a performance – indicating superb and entirely convincing acting.
摸头杀(mōtóu shā): killing with a head touch
This refers to a gentle touch of a girl’s head by a boy, and has been popularized in soap operas and anime. The actual gesture involves a combination of gentle rubbing while touching, and many believe it can captivate a girl’s heart instantly.
侧颜杀(cèyán shā): killing with one’s profile
This is used to refer to those who look amazing, and it is mostly used for celebrities. It means that a person’s profile is very, very beautiful, almost to an unbearable degree.
Have you used any of the above Chinese expressions about “killing”?
Please read the dialogue and answer the question.
Tina: This movie is finally finished.
Tom: Congratulations, now you can rest for a while!
The above dialogue describes ______ .
A. 杀青(shāqīng)
B. 杀人(shārén)
C. 眼神杀(yǎnshén shā)
In Chinese, looks can kill – and it’s a good thing!”
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