卖身

賣身

màishēn

verb #19,150

Meanings

1 to sell oneself into slavery
2 to prostitute oneself

Characters

Examples

HSK 4

旧社会很多穷人被迫卖身。

Jiù shèhuì hěnduō qióngrén bèipò màishēn.

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

HSK 7-9

他签了卖身契约。

Tā qiān le 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