出卖

• Pinyin: chū mài
• Hanzi breakdown: 出 = to put out/present; 卖 = 士 + 买 = to sell

Meaning

To sell out; to betray; to sell (literally or figuratively).

Can mean literally selling something, but more commonly used for betrayal — selling out friends, secrets, or principles. Strong negative connotation when used figuratively.

Examples

1. 他为了钱出卖了自己的朋友。 He sold out his friends for money.
2. 间谍被指控出卖国家机密。 The spy was accused of selling state secrets.
3. 她绝不会出卖自己的原则和信念。 She would never sell out her principles and beliefs.

Usage Guide

Context: betrayal, espionage, moral discourse

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 他出卖灵魂换取权力。(He sold his soul for power.)
• 不要为了利益出卖朋友。(Don't betray your friends for profit.)

Don't Say

• 出卖这本书给我 (For regular sales, use 卖 — 出卖 implies betrayal or exploitation)

Origin & History

Compound of 出 (to put out/expose) and 卖 (to sell). Extends from commercial selling to betrayal.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal