Meanings of 出卖
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About 出卖
Podcast: 出卖
Podcast: 出卖
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AI Study Notes for 出卖
出卖 (chūmài) vs 卖 (mài) — use 出卖 when emphasizing betrayal or moral compromise, while 卖 is a more neutral term for selling.
Imagine a person standing at a market stall, yelling 'Chū! Mài!' as they sell their goods. Visualize their face changing from excitement to guilt as they realize they are selling out their friends for profit. The character 出 (chū) suggests 'to go out' or 'to emerge,' while 卖 (mài) means 'to sell,' enhancing the idea of something being offered outwardly.
Learners often confuse 出卖 with 卖 (mài) alone, which means 'to sell' without the betrayal connotation. This term is more formal and is commonly used in serious discussions about loyalty or ethics. Be mindful of the tone and context, as using it lightly can lead to misunderstandings.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 出卖 connects with other advanced vocabulary regarding business and morality. Students should focus on the contexts in which this term is used, particularly around discussions of ethics, loyalty, and commerce to grasp its full meaning.
In Chinese culture, the concept of loyalty is paramount, and 出卖 is often linked to themes of betrayal in literature and history. For instance, historical figures who sold out their country for personal gain are viewed negatively, reflecting the importance of integrity in Chinese society.
Learners sometimes use 出卖 incorrectly in casual contexts, thinking it merely means 'to sell.' For example, saying '我出卖这个苹果' (I sell this apple) can sound overly dramatic; instead, use 卖 (mài) for simple selling.
Pronunciation of 出卖
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 出卖
出卖 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
他承认自己有被民权领袖____了的感觉。
He acknowledged the sense of betrayal by civil rights leaders.
Example Sentences for 出卖 (2)
Cultural Notes for 出卖
In Chinese culture, the concept of loyalty is paramount, and 出卖 is often linked to themes of betrayal in literature and history. For instance, historical figures who sold out their country for personal gain are viewed negatively, reflecting the importance of integrity in Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 出卖
出卖 implies selling something with an element of betrayal or moral compromise, while 卖 simply means to sell without any negative connotation.