牺牲

xīshēng

HSK 7

牺牲 — xīshēng

1. to sacrifice one's life; to give up one's life for a cause

   为了保护同伴，他决定牺牲自己。 wèile bǎohù tóngbàn tā juédìng xīshēng zìjǐ — To protect his companions, he decided to sacrifice himself.

2. to sacrifice (something valued); to give up or forgo (e.g., time, money, comfort) for a greater good

   父母常常为了孩子的未来牺牲自己的时间和爱好。 fùmǔ chángcháng wèile háizi de wèilái xīshēng zìjǐ de shíjiān hé àihào — Parents often sacrifice their time and hobbies for their children's future.

3. a beast or animal slaughtered as a sacrifice; sacrificial victim (animal)

   古代祭祀时常用牛、羊等作为牺牲。 gǔdài jìsì shí chángyòng niú yáng děng zuòwéi xīshēng — In ancient rituals they often used cattle and sheep as sacrifices.