Translation guide
Expresses the act of giving up one's own interests, well-being, or life for the sake of others or a cause. Japanese has several verbs and phrases that convey self-sacrifice, ranging from literal self-sacrifice to more figurative devotion.
To die or risk death for a person, cause, or ideal.
To give up one's own desires, time, or comfort for the benefit of others.
The most direct and common way to say 'sacrifice oneself' in a figurative sense. It covers giving up personal time, ambitions, or comfort.
彼女は家族のために自分を犠牲にした。
She sacrificed herself for her family.
「犠牲になる」 often implies becoming a victim of circumstances, while 「自分を犠牲にする」 is a more active, intentional act of self-sacrifice. Use 「自分を犠牲にする」 when you consciously choose to give something up.
彼は事故の犠牲になった。
He became a victim of the accident.
彼は家族のために自分を犠牲にした。
He sacrificed himself for his family.
Literally 'to offer one's life'. A common and natural way to express sacrificing one's life for someone or something.
彼は国のために命を捧げた。
He sacrificed his life for his country.
Literally 'to become a sacrifice'. Used when someone dies or suffers as a victim of circumstances or for a cause.
多くの兵士が戦争の犠牲になった。
Many soldiers sacrificed themselves in the war.
Literally 'to throw away one's body'. A more dramatic or literary expression for sacrificing oneself physically, often implying a desperate or heroic act.
彼は仲間を救うために身を捨てた。
He sacrificed himself to save his comrades.
Literally 'to turn one's body into powder'. An idiomatic expression meaning to work extremely hard, often to the point of self-sacrifice, for someone else's sake.
母は子供たちのために身を粉にして働いた。
My mother worked herself to the bone for her children.
A verb meaning 'to devote oneself' or 'to do everything one can' for someone or something. It implies selfless dedication.
彼は会社に尽くした。
He devoted himself to the company.
A noun meaning 'self-sacrifice'. Often used in formal or psychological contexts.
彼の行動は自己犠牲の精神に基づいている。
His actions are based on a spirit of self-sacrifice.