卖Tone 4

mài ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 十

卖 · mài

to sell;

to betray;

to show off;

to exert to the utmost

to sellto betrayto show off

Usage highlights

to sellsellersalespersonto betray one's countryto show offauction

Synonyms

售— to sell
销— to market/sell
鬻— to sell (literary)

Antonyms

买— to buy
购— to purchase

Usage & contexts

Examples

He sells vegetables (卖菜).
She sold her old books (卖书).
Don't betray your country (卖国).
He likes to show off (卖弄).

Collocations

to sell(卖)
seller(卖主)
salesperson(卖货员)
to betray one's country(卖国)
to show off(卖弄)
auction(拍卖)

Idioms

To sell one's reputation(卖名)
To sell one's country for personal gain(卖国求荣)
To sell at a loss(卖亏)
To sell dog meat as mutton(挂羊头卖狗肉)
To sell one's soul(卖身投靠)

Cultural background

The character combines 出 (to go out) and 买 (to buy), suggesting the act of putting goods out for purchase.
In traditional Chinese culture, merchants were sometimes looked down upon in the social hierarchy.
The character carries negative connotations when used in contexts like betrayal (卖国贼 - traitor).

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