sacrificio
/sakɾiˈfiθjo/
The English phrase 'sacrifice' translates to Spanish as sacrificio.
The word sacrificio is used to describe the act of destroying or surrendering something for the sake of something else regarded as more urgent or valuable. It can also refer to a human being, an animal, a physical object or an immaterial thing offered to a deity.
Meaning: to destroy or surrender (something) for the sake of something else regarded as more urgent or valuable (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
sacrificio is a masculine noun. To express the action of sacrificing, you should use the verb sacrificar.
How do you pronounce it?
/sakɾiˈfiθjo/
When do people say it?
To express making a sacrifice or shouldering responsibility in a figurative sense, you can use the idiom poner el hombro. Other related idioms include meterse en la boca del lobo to mean putting oneself in harm's way or taking a risk, and echarse el muerto a cuestas to mean taking on someone else's burden or responsibility.
Did you know?
- While sacrificar generally means to surrender something, in a veterinary or animal context, it is the standard euphemism for 'to put down' or euthanize a pet.
- To describe taking on a burden or sacrifice that actually belongs to someone else, Spanish speakers use the vivid phrase echarse el muerto a cuestas, which means 'to carry the dead person on one's back'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of sacrificio is deeply linked to the social expectation of the 'sacrificed mother' who gives up her own dreams for her children.
Examples in context
- Nadie apreció su sacrificio.Nobody appreciated his sacrifice.This sentence is useful for showing how one might express that a sacrifice was not recognized.Tatoeba #989245 by Shishir, translation #979658 by Serhiy
- Tu sacrificio no fue en vano.Your sacrifice was not in vain.This sentence is useful for expressing that a sacrifice was not in vain.Tatoeba #1783061 by hayastan, translation #1255147 by CM
- A veces el sacrificio es necesario.Sacrifice is sometimes necessary.This sentence is useful for stating that sacrifice is sometimes a necessity.Tatoeba #5110887 by ecorralest101, translation #5109244 by honestlang
- Mi madre hizo muchos sacrificios para que pudiera estudiar en la universidad.My mother made many sacrifices so that I could study at the university.
- La abnegación de los padres es inigualable en su amor hacia sus hijos.The parents' sacrifice is unparalleled in their love for their children.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing their career goals.
- AlejandroTengo que hacer un gran sacrificio para estudiar.I have to make a big sacrifice to study.
- ElenaVale la pena el sacrificio por tu futuro, Alejandro.The sacrifice is worth it for your future, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSí, pero extraño mucho pasar tiempo con mi familia.Yes, but I miss spending time with my family a lot.
- ElenaEllos entienden tu sacrificio y te apoyan.They understand your sacrifice and they support you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sacrificio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
