noun
narrow escape from death; cheating death
Describes a situation where someone barely survives a life-threatening danger. Often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
彼は交通事故から十死一生で助かった。
He narrowly escaped death in the traffic accident.
noun
life-threatening danger; barely a chance of survival
Refers to a state where death is almost certain; the danger itself rather than the escape. Less common than sense 1.
その探検は十死一生の危険を伴う。
The expedition involves life-threatening danger.