Meanings of 殉
By ear
Play it, then pick what 殉 means.
About 殉
Podcast: 殉
Podcast: 殉
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 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).
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 殉
Drill the tone of 殉, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 殉 to you
Let me explain 殉 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 殉 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 殉?
Learning Lab
Knowing 殉 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 殉
Phonosemantic compound. 歹 represents the meaning and 旬 represents the sound.
death
Origin
殉 = 歹 + 旬. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 殉
Parts
Which of these is part of 殉?
How to say martyr; to die for a cause in Chinese
“martyr; to die for a cause” in Chinese is殉
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 殉 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
圣潘克拉斯于公元304年____道。
St Pancras was martyred in 304 AD.
Example sentences for 殉 (3)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 殉?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Word Family of 殉
Words with 殉
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.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 殉?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.