出卖
Traditional: 出賣
chū mài HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他出卖了公司的机密。
Tā chūmài le gōngsī de jīmì.
He sold the company's secrets.
这家商店出卖新鲜水果。
Zhè jiā shāngdiàn chūmài xīnxiān shuǐguǒ.
This shop sells fresh fruits.
他为了钱出卖了自己的朋友。
Tā wèile qián chūmài le zìjǐ de péngyou.
He betrayed his friend for money.
他出卖了朋友。
Tā chūmài le péngyou.
He betrayed a friend.
公司出卖了股份。
Gōngsī chūmài le gǔfèn.
The company sold shares.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 出 (chū) means 'out,' and 卖 (mài) means 'to sell.' Think of 'selling out' someone by revealing secrets 'out' to others for personal gain. This links directly to its meaning of betrayal.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. It is commonly employed in serious discussions about betrayal, such as in politics, relationships, or business, where trust is violated. The figurative sense ('to betray') is more frequent in modern usage than the literal sense ('to sell').

📖 Grammar Points

Often used with an object indicating what or who is betrayed (e.g., 出卖朋友). Can be used in passive constructions like 被出卖 (bèi chūmài, 'to be betrayed'). In the literal sense, it can take objects like 财产 (property) or 商品 (goods).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, betrayal is viewed very negatively, and 出卖 carries a strong moral condemnation. It is often associated with historical or political contexts, such as traitors betraying their country, reflecting deep values of loyalty and integrity.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 背叛 (bèipàn, 'to betray'), but 出卖 often implies a transactional element (e.g., for money or benefits) and can include literal selling. 背叛 is broader for disloyalty without necessarily involving a sale. 销售 (xiāoshòu) means 'to sell' commercially without the negative connotation of betrayal.

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