The word 牺牲 is formed through a historical and cultural metaphor rooted in ancient Chinese ritual practices. Originally, both characters individually referred to pure-colored, flawless livestock (such as oxen, sheep, or pigs) that were used as solemn offerings in ancestral and religious sacrifices. Over time, the meaning evolved beyond the literal act of ritual animal slaughter to symbolize a profound, voluntary giving-up of something precious for a higher purpose, such as one's life, interests, or well-being for the sake of a principle, person, or collective good. Thus, its modern meaning of "sacrifice" or "to sacrifice" emerged from this concrete ritual context into an abstract concept of noble self-denial.