Definition
卖命 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning to work extremely hard for someone or something, often to the point of exhaustion or risking one's life. The verb 卖 and the noun 命 can split when inserting a measure word, duration, or object: e.g., 卖了一辈子命 ('worked one's whole life for'). You typically say 为…卖命 ('to work oneself to the bone for…').
v.o.
to work oneself to the bone (for someone or something)to risk one's life for
Examples
- 卖命，。Tā wèi gōngsī mài mìng le èrshí nián, zuìhòu què dé bú dào zūnzhòng.He worked himself to the bone for the company for twenty years, but in the end didn't get respect.
- ？Nǐ hébì wèi zhè zhǒng rén mài zìjǐ de mìng?Why would you risk your own life for this kind of person?
- 。Tā wèile lǐxiǎng mài le yí bèizi de mìng.He worked himself to the bone his whole life for his ideals.
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