How to Write 牺 (xī) — Meaning “Sacrifice”

Picture a cow (牛) walking toward the west (西) as the sun sets, symbolizing it being offered as a sacrifice. The image of the cow heading west at sunset helps you connect the components to the idea of giving something up.

The radical 牛 becomes narrower and uses a lift (提) instead of a horizontal stroke for the last bottom stroke. The right side 西 is wider and has a top horizontal, then a box shape (冂) with two internal horizontals; make sure the left and right parts are balanced. A common mistake is writing the cow radical with its full form instead of the compressed radical shape.

牦 (máo) has the same 牛 radical but adds 毛 (hair) on the right, meaning 'yak' — a specific animal. 牧 (mù) uses 攵 (action hand) on the right, meaning 'to herd' animals. In contrast, 牺 always relates to sacrifice, not an animal or herding action, and its right side is 西.

牺 almost always appears in the common word 牺牲 (xī shēng), meaning 'to sacrifice' or 'sacrifice' itself, used for both literal offerings and figurative giving up of time, life, or interests. Culturally, 牺牲 is tied to themes of heroism and selflessness, often appearing in historical or patriotic discussions about martyrs.

Common words containing 牺 include: 牺牲 (xī shēng) — to sacrifice; sacrifice; 牺牲品 (xī shēng pǐn) — victim; sacrifice; 牺牲时间 (xī shēng shí jiān) — to sacrifice time.