Definition
卖身 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to sell oneself' — historically into slavery or indentured servitude, and in modern contexts it refers to prostitution. The verb 卖 can separate from the object 身 to insert measure words or other elements, e.g. 卖过一次身 ('sold oneself once'). Be aware that the term carries strong social stigma and is not used lightly.
v.o.
to sell oneself (into slavery or servitude)to prostitute oneself
Examples
- ，卖身。Zài gǔdài, qióngrén yǒushí bùdébù mài shēn lái yǎng jiā.In ancient times, poor people sometimes had to sell themselves to support their families.
- 卖身。Tā wèile huán zhài bèipò mài shēn.She was forced to sell herself to pay off debts.
- 。Tā wèile huán zhài mài guò yí cì shēn.He sold himself once to pay off debts.
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