Korean Dictionary
How to say "Sacrifice" in Korean
“Sacrifice” in Korean is 희생 (pronounced "huisaeng").
희생
huisaeng
Usage & Context
Giving up something important for someone else's benefit. Sacrifice is respected in Korean culture as a sign of true love.
Example Sentence
나는 너를 위해 희생할 거야.
I will sacrifice for you.
How to use 희생 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Sacrifice” is 희생, romanized as huisaeng.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 희생.
Pronunciation Guide
희 (hui) sounds like 'hwee' as in 'wheel'. 생 (saeng) sounds like 'sa-eng', similar to 'sang' in 'sang a song' but with a slightly longer 'ae' sound. Put it together as 'hwee-sa-eng'.
More Example Sentences
Expressing gratitude to parents for their efforts.
부모님의 희생 덕분에 제가 여기까지 올 수 있었어요.
Thanks to my parents' sacrifice, I was able to get this far.
Discussing sports or a group project where individual needs were set aside.
팀의 승리를 위해 개인적인 희생을 감수해야 했다.
I had to make personal sacrifices for the team's victory.
Expressing deep love and commitment in a relationship.
사랑하는 사람을 위해 기꺼이 희생할 수 있어.
I can willingly sacrifice for the one I love.
Cultural Context
'희생' is a highly valued concept in Korean culture, often associated with filial piety (효도, hyodo) and patriotism. Parents are frequently praised for their '희생' for their children, and children are expected to acknowledge and repay this. In K-dramas, characters making '희생' for their loved ones or for a greater cause is a common and powerful theme, often leading to emotional climaxes and demonstrating profound love or loyalty.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 희생 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
희생정신
Spirit of sacrifice
희생양
Scapegoat (literally 'sacrifice lamb')
희생을 감수하다
To make a sacrifice, to endure sacrifice
Related Expressions
헌신
heonshin
Devotion, dedication (often involves sacrifice)
포기
pogi
Giving up, abandonment (can be a result of sacrifice)
양보
yangbo
Concession, yielding (related to giving something up)
희생하다
huisaenghada
To sacrifice (verb form)
More Relationships Words
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