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殉 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
殉xùnmartyr; to die for a causev, 10 strokes, radical 歹, rank #17651, Very Hard
殉xùnto be buried with the deadunknown, 10 strokes, radical 歹, rank #17651, Very Hard
xùn(xun4) T4
  1. 1martyr; to die for a cause
  2. 2to be buried with the dead
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March 24, 2026

殉xùn(xun4)

The character 殉 (xùn) primarily means to die for a cause or to become a martyr. It is often used in contexts related to loyalty, sacrifice, and devotion, particularly in historical or religious narratives where individuals give their lives for a greater purpose. The nuance of this word carries a deep sense of honor and commitment to one’s beliefs or values.

Strokes10Radical歹Frequency#17651DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese history, figures who died for their beliefs, such as the soldiers in the War of Resistance against Japan, are often referred to as martyrs (烈士), and their sacrifices are commemorated in various memorials, reflecting the cultural respect for loyalty and heroism.

Memory Tip

Think of 殉 (xùn) as a 'tombstone' (殷) standing tall, representing those who have died for a cause. The character combines the radical for death (死) with the concept of loyalty, reminding you that these individuals are honored even in their death, as they are remembered for their sacrifices.

Meanings of 殉

xùn(xun4)
1martyr; to die for a cause
2to be buried with the dead
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 殉

殉Simplified
10Strokes
歹Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 殉

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Podcast: 殉

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AI Study Notes for 殉

Usage Notes

When using 殉, it is important to maintain a respectful tone, as the term often relates to sensitive topics like sacrifice and martyrdom. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it in a casual context, which can diminish its serious connotation. It frequently collocates with terms related to loyalty (忠) and sacrifice (牺牲).

HSK Study Tips

While 殉 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects with themes of loyalty and sacrifice found in HSK 5 vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding its emotional weight and practice using it in sentences that express commitment or dedication.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 殉 in informal contexts, leading to misunderstandings about its serious meaning. For example, saying '我殉这个工作' (I die for this job) can sound inappropriate; instead, it should be reserved for topics of profound loyalty or sacrifice.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 殉

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Etymology of 殉

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

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

Memory Hint

death

Semantic (meaning)歹
+
Phonetic (sound)旬
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 殉

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

  1. 1The meaning half歹 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half旬 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaydeath
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 殉? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 殉?

Decomposition of 殉

IDS Structure⿰歹旬
殉Full Character
=
歹dai3
left
旬xun2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 殉?

How to say martyr; to die for a cause in Chinese

“martyr; to die for a cause” in Chinese is殉xùn

The character 殉 (xùn) primarily means to die for a cause or to become a martyr. It is often used in contexts related to loyalty, sacrifice, and devotion, particularly in historical or religious narratives where individuals give their lives for a greater purpose. The nuance of this word carries a deep sense of honor and commitment to one’s beliefs or values.

When to use 殉

When using 殉, it is important to maintain a respectful tone, as the term often relates to sensitive topics like sacrifice and martyrdom. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it in a casual context, which can diminish its serious connotation. It frequently collocates with terms related to loyalty (忠) and sacrifice (牺牲).

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 殉 in informal contexts, leading to misunderstandings about its serious meaning. For example, saying '我殉这个工作' (I die for this job) can sound inappropriate; instead, it should be reserved for topics of profound loyalty or sacrifice.

Write 殉

殉

Practice writing 殉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 殉

殉 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

圣潘克拉斯于公元304年____道。

St Pancras was martyred in 304 AD.

Example Sentences for 殉 (3)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
圣潘克拉斯于公元304年殉道。

shèng pān kè lā sī yú gōng yuán304 304 nián xùn。

St Pancras was martyred in 304 AD.
2
可是那些殉难者的事迹却是永远湮没无闻.

kě shì nà xiē xùn nán zhě de shì jì què shì yǒng yuǎn yān méi wú wén.

But the deeds of those who perished will never be known.
3
哎,现在这条小汽船, 像所有其他英勇殉难的小汽船一样,都永垂不朽.

āi, , xiàn zài zhè tiáo xiǎo qì, chuán , xiàng suǒ yǒu qí tā yīng yǒng xùn nán de xiǎo qì chuán, yī yàng , dū yǒng.

But now -- look -- this little steamer, like all her brave and battered sisters, is immortal.

Word Family of 殉

Words Containing This Character11
殉职to die in the line of duty殉職
殉xùnto die for a cause
殉情to sacrifice oneself for love
殉难a victim of a disaster殉難
殉国to die for one's country殉國
因公殉职to die as in the line of duty (idiom)因公殉職
殉葬sacrificial grave goods
殉道to die for a just cause
殉节to sacrifice one's life by loyalty (to one's prince, one's husband etc)殉節
殉教to die for one's religion
殉死to be buried alive as sacrifice (together with husband or superior)
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 殉职 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 殉

殉 specifically implies dying for a cause or as a martyr, while other words for 'die' may not carry that connotation of sacrifice.

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