Meaning
出卖 primarily means to betray someone or to sell out, often involving a breach of trust or loyalty. It can also mean literally to sell goods, though this usage is less common in modern Mandarin. The word carries a negative connotation when referring to betrayal of people, secrets, or principles.
Usage
Most commonly used in contexts of betrayal, such as betraying friends, country, or ideals. When used literally for selling goods, it sounds more formal or literary than everyday words like 卖. Native speakers frequently use this in political, historical, or dramatic contexts to describe treachery or selling out one's principles for personal gain.
Examples
- 01他为了钱出卖了自己的朋友。.He betrayed his friends for money.
- 02这个间谍出卖了国家机密。.This spy sold out national secrets.
Characters
Common collocations
- 出卖朋友to betray friends
- 出卖国家to betray one's country
- 出卖灵魂to sell one's soul
- 出卖情报to sell out intelligence/secrets
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 出 (to go out) and 卖 (to sell) literally suggests 'selling out,' which extends metaphorically from selling goods to selling out people or principles.