牺 (xī) - sacrifice, victim & to sacrifice, to give up for a higher
牺 · xī
sacrifice, victim;
to sacrifice, to give up for a higher purpose
sacrifice, victimto sacrifice, to give up for a higher
Usage highlights
sacrificesacrificial animalsacrificial altarto sacrifice oneselfspirit of sacrificesacrificial vessel
Usage & contexts
Examples
- He sacrificed his life for the country (牺牲生命).
- Ancient rituals involved animal sacrifices (牺牲动物).
- They made great sacrifices for their children's education (为教育做出牺牲).
- The company sacrificed short-term profits for long-term growth (牺牲短期利润).
Collocations
- sacrifice(牺牲)
- sacrificial animal(牺牲)
- sacrificial altar(牺尊)
- to sacrifice oneself(自我牺牲)
- spirit of sacrifice(牺牲精神)
- sacrificial vessel(牺樽)
Idioms
- To sacrifice one's life for righteousness(杀身成仁)
- To sacrifice one's life without regret(死而无憾)
- To sacrifice personal interests for public good(舍己为公)
Cultural background
FAQ- Originally referred to pure-colored animals used in ancient sacrificial rituals
- In modern usage, extends metaphorically to any valuable thing given up for a greater cause
- Reflects traditional Chinese values of collectivism and self-sacrifice for family and nation