Korean word

희생

Pronunciation

Romanizationhisaeng

Meaning

  • nounsacrifice

Example

그는 가족을 위해 희생을 했어요.keu neun ka jo geul wi hae hi saeng eul hae sseo yo

He made a sacrifice for his family.

Illustration for 희생 (sacrifice)

More examples

그녀는 꿈을 위해 큰 희생을 감수했다.keu nyeo neun kku meul wi hae keun hi saeng eul kam su haet tta

She made a great sacrifice for her dream.

Core concept

A meaningful personal cost accepted to benefit another person or a worthwhile purpose.

Common phrases

  • 희생을 감수하다hi saeng eul kam su ha da

    accept a sacrifice

  • 희생을 바치다hi saeng eul pa chi da

    offer a sacrifice

Similar words

양보yangbo: Allowing another person to receive a right, opportunity, or position first.
포기pogi: Choosing to stop seeking a desired result or future possibility.
헌신heonsin: Offering one's full effort and loyalty to a person, task, or cause.

Definition in Korean

자신이 중요하게 여기는 것(시간·돈·안전 등)을 다른 사람이나 목적을 위해 포기하거나 잃는 일cha si ni chung yo ha ge yeo gi neun keot si gan ton an jeon teung eul ta reun sa ra mi na mok jjeo geul wi hae po gi ha geo na il leun il

Word origin

This Sino-Korean noun originally referred to an animal offered in a ritual and later developed the broader meaning of giving up something valuable for another purpose.

Usage tips

  • It usually suggests a serious cost rather than a small everyday compromise, so it carries more emotional weight than ordinary giving something up.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word