犧 (xī) - sacrifice, victim & to offer as sacrifice
犧 · xī
sacrifice, victim;
to offer as sacrifice;
to give up for a higher purpose
sacrifice, victimto offer as sacrificeto give up for a higher purpose
Usage highlights
sacrificesacrificial animalsacrificial altarsacrificial vesselto sacrifice oneselfsacrificial spirit
Usage & contexts
Examples
- He sacrificed his life for the country (牺牲生命).
- This is a sacrificial altar (牺牲祭坛).
- They offered a lamb as sacrifice (以羊为牺).
- Revolutionary martyrs made the ultimate sacrifice (革命烈士牺牲).
Collocations
- sacrifice(牺牲)
- sacrificial animal(牺牲)
- sacrificial altar(牺坛)
- sacrificial vessel(牺尊)
- to sacrifice oneself(自我牺牲)
- sacrificial spirit(牺牲精神)
Idioms
- To sacrifice one's life for righteousness(舍生取义)
- To sacrifice one's life without regret(死而不悔)
- To be a willing sacrifice(甘为牺牲)
Cultural background
FAQ- Originally referred to animals used in ancient religious sacrifices, particularly pure-colored livestock.
- In modern usage, extends metaphorically to any valuable thing or person given up for a greater cause.
- Carries connotations of nobility, selflessness, and devotion to higher principles.