卖身

賣身

màishēn

verb #19,150

Meanings

1 to sell oneself into slavery
2 to prostitute oneself

Characters

Examples

旧社会很多穷人被迫卖身。

Jiù shèhuì hěn duō qióngrén bèipò màishēn.

In the old society, many poor people were forced to sell themselves.

他签了卖身契约。

Tā qiānle màishēn qìyuē.

He signed an indenture contract.

Tips

culture

Historically, 卖身契 (indenture contract) was a real document in feudal China through which people sold themselves or their children into servitude. Today 卖身 is used figuratively for taking an exploitative job.

Stroke Order

卖 mài

身 shēn