殉

xùn
旬 + 歹

Definitions

xùn to be buried with the dead; to die for a cause

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 歹 represents the meaning and 旬 represents the sound.

Semantic: 歹 Phonetic: 旬

About

The character 殉 (xùn) is a phono-semantic compound centered on death, particularly dying for a cause, belief, or duty. Its left component, the radical 歹 (dǎi), situates it within the semantic domain of mortality and misfortune. The right component, 旬 (xún), provides the pronunciation. Historically, the meaning referred to the practice of burying the living with the dead, like servants sacrificed to accompany their master into the afterlife. Over time, the sense evolved from forced sacrifice to the voluntary, noble act of giving one’s life for one’s country, faith, or principles.

Example Sentences Hide

他们为爱而殉情。

Tāmen wèi ài ér xùn qíng.

They died for love.

他因公殉职了。

Tā yīn gōng xùn zhí le.

He died in the line of duty.

许多战士为国殉难。

Xǔduō zhànshì wèi guó xùn nàn.

Many soldiers died for their country.

古代有殉葬的习俗。

Gǔdài yǒu xùn zàng de xísú.

In ancient times, there was the custom of burial with the dead.

他为信仰而殉道。

Tā wèi xìnyǎng ér xùn dào.

He martyred himself for his faith.

这部电影讲述了殉情的故事。

Zhè bù diànyǐng jiǎngshùle xùn qíng de gùshì.

This movie tells a story of dying for love.

殉职警察被追认为英雄。

Xùn zhí jǐngchá bèi zhuī rèn wéi yīngxióng.

The police officer who died in the line of duty was posthumously recognized as a hero.

她对殉国者表示深深敬意。

Tā duì xùn guó zhě biǎoshì shēn shēn jìngyì.

She expressed deep respect for those who died for the country.

Related Characters

Component: 旬

询 荀 绚 徇 洵 峋 恂 詢 郇 筍 侚 栒 狥 珣

Component: 歹

死 列 残 殊 殖 歼 殆 殃 殡 夙 殁 殓 殒 殚

Example Words

殉情 殉职 殉国 殉葬 殉道 殉难