牺牲
An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy. It can refer to physical life or abstract things like time and money.
Examples
3 of 5为了完成这个项目，他牺牲了整个周末。
He sacrificed his entire weekend to finish this project.
他在战争中为国家英勇牺牲了。
He heroically sacrificed his life for the country in the war.
别为了赚钱牺牲健康，不值得。
Don't sacrifice your health to make money; it's not worth it.
Word Family
Memory Tip
The radicals in both '牺' and '牲' represent animals (牛), referring to ancient animal sacrifices to gods.
Quick Quiz
这位医生为了抢救病人，___了自己的休息时间。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 牺牲
Examples
为了完成这个项目，他牺牲了整个周末。
everydayHe sacrificed his entire weekend to finish this project.
他在战争中为国家英勇牺牲了。
formalHe heroically sacrificed his life for the country in the war.
别为了赚钱牺牲健康，不值得。
informalDon't sacrifice your health to make money; it's not worth it.
在某些情况下，个人利益必须为集体利益做出牺牲。
academicIn some cases, individual interests must be sacrificed for the collective interest.
公司不能为了短期利润而牺牲长期发展。
businessThe company cannot sacrifice long-term development for short-term profits.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
英勇牺牲
to die heroically
牺牲精神
spirit of sacrifice
自我牺牲
self-sacrifice
Often Confused With
放弃 (give up) can be neutral or negative (quitting), while 牺牲 (sacrifice) implies giving something up for a higher purpose.
Usage Notes
Used for both extreme cases (dying for a cause) and everyday choices (giving up sleep).
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget that 牺牲 can be a noun meaning 'a sacrifice.'
Memory Tip
The radicals in both '牺' and '牲' represent animals (牛), referring to ancient animal sacrifices to gods.
Word Origin
Originally referred to animals slaughtered for religious ritual.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Deeply rooted in Chinese history, especially regarding revolutionary heroes and filial piety.
Quick Quiz
这位医生为了抢救病人，___了自己的休息时间。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 牺牲
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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归属
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干涉
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平等
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回避
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失衡
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优越性
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贫富差距
B2The gap between the rich and the poor; the unequal distribution of wealth and income in a society.
加剧
B2To make a problem, negative situation, or feeling more intense or severe.
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