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March 24, 2026
牲shēng(sheng1)
The character 牲 (shēng) refers to domestic animals, particularly those that are raised for agricultural purposes, such as livestock. It can also specifically denote sacrificial animals used in religious or cultural ceremonies. In contexts like farming or traditional rituals, understanding this character is essential for discussing animal husbandry or cultural practices in China.
Strokes9Radical牛Frequency#7934DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 牲 is significant during festivals and ceremonies, such as the Spring Festival or ancestor worship, where animals are often sacrificed to honor deities or ancestors. This reflects the deep-rooted agricultural traditions and the importance of animals in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'sheep' (similar sound to shēng) standing in a field, representing both domestic animals and sacrificial animals. The top part of the character resembles a roof, suggesting a barn where these animals are kept, while the bottom part can remind you of 'life' being taken in sacrificial contexts.
Meanings of 牲
shēng(sheng1)
1domestic animal
2sacrificial animal
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 牲
牲Simplified
9Strokes
牛Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7934Frequency Rank
Podcast: 牲
Podcast: 牲
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AI Study Notes for 牲
Quick Contrast
牲 (shēng) vs 家畜 (jiāchù) — use 牲 for sacrificial animals or in cultural contexts, while 家畜 refers specifically to domesticated livestock.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'sheep' (similar sound to shēng) standing in a field, representing both domestic animals and sacrificial animals. The top part of the character resembles a roof, suggesting a barn where these animals are kept, while the bottom part can remind you of 'life' being taken in sacrificial contexts.
Usage Notes
In usage, 牲 is typically found in more formal contexts, especially when discussing agriculture or religious practices. Common collocations include 牲畜 (shēngchù - livestock) and 祭牲 (jìshēng - sacrificial animal). Learners should be cautious with tones, as mispronouncing shēng can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Though not part of the HSK levels, 牲 connects with vocabulary relating to animals, agriculture, and rituals. Students should focus on related words like 动物 (dòngwù - animal) and 祭祀 (jìsì - sacrifice) to build a thematic understanding of this character.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 牲 is significant during festivals and ceremonies, such as the Spring Festival or ancestor worship, where animals are often sacrificed to honor deities or ancestors. This reflects the deep-rooted agricultural traditions and the importance of animals in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 牲 with similar characters like 生 (shēng - life) due to their phonetic similarity. It's important to remember that 牲 specifically relates to animals, while 生 has broader meanings associated with life and birth.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 牲
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Grammar Patterns of 牲
牲 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.
Buying budget-priced furniture needn't mean compromising on quality or style.
7
大部分人都拼命工作，作出了很大的牺牲。
dà bù fēn rén dū pīn mìng gōng zuò， ， zuò chū le hěn dà de xī。
Most have worked their guts out and made sacrifices.
8
那些牺牲者被称为波兰男子中的精英。
nà xiē xī shēng zhě bèi chēng wéi bō lán nán zǐ zhōng de jīng yīng。
Those killed have been described as the flower of Polish manhood.
9
这些饿慌了的小畜牲就会像万箭齐发一样窜出来.
zhè xiē è huāng le de xiǎo xù shēng jiù huì xiàng wàn jiàn qí fā yī yàng cuàn chū lái.
These starving brutes will shoot out of it like bullets.
10
牲口棚里的牲口饿得朝她嗷嗷叫.
shēng kǒu péng lǐ de shēng kǒu è dé zhāo tā áo áo jiào.
The stock in the barn cried to her hungrily.
Cultural Notes for 牲
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 牲 is significant during festivals and ceremonies, such as the Spring Festival or ancestor worship, where animals are often sacrificed to honor deities or ancestors. This reflects the deep-rooted agricultural traditions and the importance of animals in Chinese society.
Word Family of 牲
Words Containing This Character8
牺牲xīshēngto sacrifice one's life犧牲
牲畜shēngchùlivestock
牲shēngdomestic animal
牺牲品sacrificial victim犧牲品
牲口beast of burden
牺牲者sacrificial victim犧牲者
英勇牺牲to heroically sacrifice one's life英勇犧牲
宰牲节Eid al-Adha or Festival of the Sacrifice (Qurban), celebrated on the 10th day of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar宰牲節
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 牺牲 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 牲
It primarily refers to livestock and animals used for sacrifice, such as sheep, pigs, or cows.
It is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially related to agriculture or religious practices, rather than in casual conversation.
The correct pronunciation is shēng, with a high-level tone.
