殉

xùn

Rank #3302

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 incorporates the semantic element 歹, which conveys associations with death or calamity, alongside the phonetic element 旬, guiding its pronunciation. Initially, the term specifically described the practice of burying living beings or valuable goods with the deceased to serve them in the afterlife. Over time, its meaning expanded beyond this literal funerary custom to encompass the figurative act of giving one's life for a principle, cause, or faith, thereby acquiring a broader semantic range related to sacrifice and martyrdom.

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

Component: 歹

Components

旬歹

殉