牺牲
xīshēng
The English verb 'sacrifice' is translated into Chinese as 牺牲 (xīshēng).
牺牲 means to destroy or surrender something for the sake of something else regarded as more urgent or valuable. A very common way to use this word is in the collocation 牺牲自己, which means 'to sacrifice oneself' and is used to describe someone giving up their own interests or life for a greater cause.
Meaning: to destroy or surrender (something) for the sake of something else regarded as more urgent or valuable (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 牺 (xī), meaning 'to sacrifice an animal' and 牲 (shēng), meaning 'livestock or sacrificial animal'.
Which one should you use?
While 牺牲 is a standard term for sacrifice, you may also encounter 献身. The latter is a formal term that emphasizes the act of dedicating oneself or giving up everything for a specific cause.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that a sacrifice has been completed or has already occurred, you can add the particle 了 (le) after the verb, forming 牺牲了.
How do you pronounce it?
xīshēng
Did you know?
- While 牺牲 is often used for grand or heroic acts, using it for small, personal inconveniences can sound unintentionally dramatic or even sarcastic in Chinese.
- In Chinese culture, the concept of sacrifice is closely tied to 孝 (xiào), or filial piety, where sacrificing one's own desires for parents is seen as a primary virtue.
- In modern Chinese, 牺牲 is used as a polite euphemism for 'died' when referring to soldiers or martyrs, similar to the English phrase 'fallen in battle'.
Examples in context
- 他没有牺牲生命，也没有出卖组织。He did not sacrifice his life, nor did he sell out his organization.This sentence shows the use of 牺牲 regarding a life.Tatoeba #8709527 by crescat, translation #8932627 by iiujik
- 为了救许多人牺牲一个人是否道德？Would it be ethical to sacrifice one person to save many?This sentence uses 牺牲 to discuss the ethics of sacrificing one person for many.Tatoeba #812366 by fucongcong, translation #652444 by darinmex
- 他为了国家的独立牺牲了自己的生命。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。Parents make great sacrifices for their children's future.
- 他献身救助贫困地区的孩子们。He sacrificed himself to help children in impoverished areas.
- 他舍弃了自己的梦想，为了家人的幸福。He sacrificed his own dreams for the happiness of his family.
- 他成为了公司追求利润的牺牲品。He became a sacrificial lamb in the company's pursuit of profit.
- 父母为了孩子牺牲了很多。Fùmǔ wèile háizi xīshēngle hěnduō.Parents sacrifice a lot for their children.
Example conversation
Yuting and Zhiqiang are discussing their study habits.
- 雨婷 Yuting为了考好，我牺牲了所有周末。Wèile kǎo hǎo, wǒ xīshēngle suǒyǒu zhōumò.To do well on the exam, I sacrificed all my weekends.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你也太辛苦了，雨婷。Nǐ yě tài xīnkǔ le, Yǔtíng.You've been working too hard, Yuting.
- 雨婷 Yuting但我认为这是值得的。Dàn wǒ rènwéi zhè shì zhídé de.But I think it is worth it.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我也得像你一样努力才行。Wǒ yě děi xiàng nǐ yīyàng nǔlì cái xíng.I need to work hard like you too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
