The Chinese word 半死 (bànsǐ) is formed through a straightforward yet highly expressive compound structure, combining the character 半 (bàn), meaning "half", with 死 (sǐ), meaning "dead" or "to die". It follows a common pattern in Chinese where "半" modifies an extreme state to signify an intense but not complete degree, creating a metaphorical meaning of being brought to the brink of death. Thus, 半死 functions as a vivid resultative complement, most often used figuratively in phrases like 累得半死 (lèi de bànsǐ), meaning "tired to half-death" or "extremely exhausted", to hyperbolically emphasize a severe physical or emotional state.