Definition
服刑 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to serve a prison sentence.' It is used in formal and legal contexts. You can insert words like aspect markers, time expressions, or measure words between 服 and 刑 — for example, 服了三年刑 ('served a three-year sentence'). The object (刑) always refers to the sentence itself, not the crime.
v.o.
to serve a prison sentence
Examples
- 服刑。Tā yīn dàoqiè zuì zhèngzài fú xíng.He is serving a sentence for theft.
- 。Zhè míng zuìfàn yǐjīng fú le shí nián xíng.This criminal has already served ten years in prison.
- 服刑。Fǎyuàn pànjué tā fú xíng èrshí nián.The court sentenced him to serve twenty years.
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