舍己为人

Pronunciation: shě jǐ wèi rén Literal meaning: Sacrifice oneself for others

Origin & Usage

Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 舍己为人 (shě jǐ wèi rén) emphasizes the noble act of sacrificing one's own interests (舍, give up) for the benefit of others (己, self; 为, for; 人, others). While it does not originate from a specific historical story, it is often associated with the teachings of Confucius, who advocated for altruism and selflessness. The idiom captures the essence of putting others before oneself, a value deeply ingrained in Chinese culture. In modern usage, it describes acts of selflessness and is often used to praise individuals who prioritize the welfare of others over their own needs.

Examples

English: "He always puts his friends' needs before his own, embodying the spirit of selflessness."

Chinese: 他总是把朋友的需求放在自己之前，体现了无私的精神。