noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Used for matters of survival, critical importance, or existential stakes. Often appears in compounds like 死活問題 (matter of life and death).
この契約は会社の死活にかかわる。
This contract is a matter of life and death for the company.
死活問題なので、慎重に判断しなければならない。
Since it's a life-or-death issue, we must judge carefully.
noun
life and death (of a group of stones in Go)
Technical Go term referring to whether a group of stones can survive or will be captured.
この隅の死活は、黒が先手なら生きる。
The life and death of this corner group depends on whether Black plays first.