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牺牲 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
牺牲xīshēngto sacrifice oneselfHSK 7, v, rank #1827, Hard
牺牲xīshēngto lay down one's lifeHSK 7, v, rank #1827, Hard
牺牲xīshēngto do sth at the expense ofHSK 7, v, rank #1827, Hard
牺牲xīshēngbeast slaughtered for sacrificeHSK 7, v, rank #1827, Hard
牺牲xīshēngsacrificeHSK 7, v, rank #1827, Hard
牺牲xīshēng>个[gè]HSK 7, v, rank #1827, Hard
牺牲xīshēngto sacrifice one's lifeHSK 7, unknown, rank #1827, Hard
牺牲xīshēngto sacrifice (sth valued)HSK 7, unknown, rank #1827, Hard
牺牲xīshēngbeast slaughtered as a sacrificeHSK 7, unknown, rank #1827, Hard
xīshēng(xi1sheng1) T1
  1. 1to sacrifice oneself
  2. 2to lay down one's life
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
牺牲(犧牲)xīshēng(xi1sheng1)

The term 牺牲 (xī shēng) refers to the act of sacrificing oneself or something valuable for a greater cause. It is often used in contexts involving selflessness, such as in military service or altruistic acts where a person gives up their life or important resources for others' benefit.

Frequency#1827DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, 牺牲 is often associated with historical figures who laid down their lives for the country, such as during wars or revolutions, emphasizing the value placed on loyalty and patriotism.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sheep (羊, yáng) being sacrificed at a temple to symbolize purity and selflessness. The character 牺 (xī) visually resembles a sheep being offered, while 牲 (shēng) hints at the notion of life (生, shēng) being given up. Picture a hero laying down their life, a sacrifice for their comrades.

Meanings of 牺牲

xīshēng(xi1sheng1)
1to sacrifice oneself
2to lay down one's life
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 牺牲

牺牲Simplified
犧牲Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1827Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 牺牲

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Podcast: 牺牲

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AI Study Notes for 牺牲

Quick Contrast

牺牲 (sacrifice) vs 牺牲品 (sacrificial victim) — use 牺牲 when referring to the act of sacrificing oneself, while 牺牲品 specifically denotes the object or person that is sacrificed.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a sheep (羊, yáng) being sacrificed at a temple to symbolize purity and selflessness. The character 牺 (xī) visually resembles a sheep being offered, while 牲 (shēng) hints at the notion of life (生, shēng) being given up. Picture a hero laying down their life, a sacrifice for their comrades.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the contexts in which you use 牺牲; it often carries heavy emotional weight. Common mistakes include using it in a casual context, where words like 捨 (shě) might be more appropriate. Note that 牺牲 is typically used in serious discussions, especially regarding moral dilemmas.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 牺牲 connects well with themes of moral philosophy and social responsibility. Focus on its usage in various contexts, particularly in literature and speeches that discuss sacrifice and courage.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, 牺牲 is often associated with historical figures who laid down their lives for the country, such as during wars or revolutions, emphasizing the value placed on loyalty and patriotism.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 牺牲 with 捨 (shě), which means to let go of something less valuable. An incorrect usage could be saying '我牺牲了我的时间' (wǒ xī shēng le wǒ de shí jiān) when '我舍弃了我的时间' (wǒ shě qì le wǒ de shí jiān) would be more appropriate.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 牺牲

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Component Characters

牺xīsacrifice
10 strokes牛
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牲shēngdomestic animal
9 strokes牛
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Write 牺牲

牺
牲

Practice writing 牺牲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 牺牲

牺牲 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 9 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.

Related grammar lessons3
Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

不要为了省钱而____质量。

Don't sacrifice quality for the sake of saving money.

Example Sentences for 牺牲 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他愿意为和平作出任何牺牲。

tā yuàn yì wéi hé píng zuò chū rèn hé xī shēng。

He was willing to make any sacrifice for peace.
2
他们认为好的父母应该牺牲自我，一心为孩子着想。

tā mén rèn wéi hǎo de fù mǔ yīng gāi xī shēng zì wǒ， ， yī xīn wéi hái zǐ zháo。

They believed that good parents should be self-sacrificing and self-denying.
3
那几个伙计没加入工会是因为害怕成为牺牲品。

nà jī gè huǒ jì méi jiā rù gōng huì shì yīn wéi hài pà chéng wéi xī shēng pǐn。

The lads don't join the union because they're frightened of being victimized.
4
神殿里供奉着牺牲、鬯酒和贡香。

shén diàn lǐ gōng fèng zháo xī shēng、 、 chàng jiǔ hé gòng。

At the shrine of the god there were offerings, libations and incense.
5
买价钱经济的家具并不意味着就要牺牲质量和样式。

mǎi jià qián jīng jì de jiā jù bìng bù yì wèi zháo jiù yào xī shēng zhì liáng hé yàng shì。

Buying budget-priced furniture needn't mean compromising on quality or style.
6
大部分人都拼命工作，作出了很大的牺牲。

dà bù fēn rén dū pīn mìng gōng zuò， ， zuò chū le hěn dà de xī。

Most have worked their guts out and made sacrifices.
7
那些牺牲者被称为波兰男子中的精英。

nà xiē xī shēng zhě bèi chēng wéi bō lán nán zǐ zhōng de jīng yīng。

Those killed have been described as the flower of Polish manhood.
8
姬蒂·奥尔德里奇为自己的首部影片牺牲了一切。

jī dì· · ào ěr dé lǐ qí wéi zì jǐ de shǒu bù yǐng piàn xī shēng le yī。

Kitty Aldridge has sacrificed all for her first film.
9
" 她 真 是个有胆量的姑娘, " 托尼说, " 只可惜她命太苦了, 乔居然牺牲了.

" " tā zhēn shì gè yǒu dǎn liáng," de gū niáng," , " tuō ní shuō , " zhī kě xī, tā mìng tài kǔ le ,.

'she's a spunky girl,' said Tony, " and it's rotten luck for her, Joe getting killed.
10
我可不愿意牺牲一天休假日单单陪简去买东西.

wǒ kě bù yuàn yì xī shēng yī tiān xiū jiǎ rì dān dān péi jiǎn qù mǎi dōng xī.

I'm not sacrificing my day off just to go shopping with Jane.

Cultural Notes for 牺牲

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, 牺牲 is often associated with historical figures who laid down their lives for the country, such as during wars or revolutions, emphasizing the value placed on loyalty and patriotism.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

The concept of sacrifice can be seen in both cultures, but in Western contexts, it often emphasizes individual choice, whereas in Chinese culture, it may reflect duty and collective responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions about 牺牲

Yes, 牺牲 can be used in a broader sense, like sacrificing time or resources, but ensure the context aligns with the level of seriousness implied.