Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “sacrifice” in Chinese. Whether you are looking for the formal or informal ways to express this concept, we have got you covered. In this guide, we will provide tips, examples, and even explore regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Sacrifice in Chinese
When it comes to formal expressions, Chinese offers a variety of options to convey the concept of sacrifice. Here are the most common ones:
1. 牺牲 (xī shēng)
This is the most commonly used term for “sacrifice” in Chinese. It can be used in a wide range of contexts to refer to selfless acts or dedication. For example:他为了国家的独立牺牲了自己的生命。(Tā wèile guójiā de dúlì xīshēng le zìjǐ de shēngmìng.)
(He sacrificed his life for the independence of the country.)父母为了子女的未来做出了巨大的牺牲。(Fùmǔ wèile zǐnǚ de wèilái zuò chū le jùdà de xīshēng.)
(Parents make great sacrifices for their children’s future.)
2. 献身 (xiàn shēn)
This term specifically emphasizes the act of dedicating oneself or giving up everything for a certain cause. For instance:他献身救助贫困地区的孩子们。(Tā xiànshēn jiùzhù pínkùn dìqū de háizimen.)
(He sacrificed himself to help children in impoverished areas.)
Informal Ways to Say Sacrifice in Chinese
If you are looking for more informal ways to express the concept of sacrifice, here are some commonly used phrases:
1. 舍弃 (shě qì)
This term is often used in a more casual context to refer to giving up something for a certain purpose. For example:他舍弃了自己的梦想，为了家人的幸福。(Tā shěqì le zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng, wèile jiārén de xìngfú.)
(He sacrificed his own dreams for the happiness of his family.)
2. 牺牲品 (xī shēng pǐn)
This phrase is usually used informally to refer to someone or something that is sacrificed for a particular goal. Here’s an example:他成为了公司追求利润的牺牲品。(Tā chéngwéile gōngsī zhuīqiú lìrùn de xīshēngpǐn.)
(He became a sacrificial lamb in the company’s pursuit of profit.)
Regional Variations
While Mandarin Chinese is the standard language, there are also some regional variations in how “sacrifice” is expressed. Here are a couple of examples:
1. 犧牲 (xi1 sheng1) – Taiwanese Mandarin
In Taiwanese Mandarin, the pronunciation of “sacrifice” is slightly different. It is often pronounced as “xi1 sheng1” instead of “xī shēng” in Mainland China. The meaning remains the same.
2. 犧牲/贊犧牲 (xiē sēng/zǎn xī shēng) – Cantonese
In Cantonese, two commonly used terms for “sacrifice” are “xiē sēng” or “zǎn xī shēng.” The first one is the general term, while the second one emphasizes a positive voluntary sacrifice.
In Summary
In this guide, we have covered both the formal and informal ways to say “sacrifice” in Chinese. The formal options include “牺牲 (xī shēng)” and “献身 (xiàn shēn),” while the informal terms are “舍弃 (shě qì)” and “牺牲品 (xī shēng pǐn).” Additionally, we explored regional variations, such as “犧牲 (xi1 sheng1)” in Taiwanese Mandarin and “犧牲/贊犧牲 (xiē sēng/zǎn xī shēng)” in Cantonese.
Remember, the choice of term depends on the context and level of formality you wish to convey. Keep practicing using these words and phrases to enhance your Chinese vocabulary and fluency!
