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卖
mài
sell
他把旧车卖了。
He sold his old car.
formal
To exchange goods or services for money; to offer something for sale.
这家商店卖各种水果。
This store sells all kinds of fruits.
他决定把房子卖掉。
He decided to sell the house.
Often used with objects or services as the direct object. Can also imply profit-seeking in some contexts.
informal
To betray or sell out someone or something, often for personal gain.
他被朋友卖了。
He was sold out by a friend.
Derived from the idea of betrayal as 'selling' someone to an enemy or authority.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish from '买'
'卖' (sell) is the opposite of '买' (buy). Remember: 卖 is for the seller, 买 is for the buyer. E.g., '我卖书' (I sell books) vs. '我买书' (I buy books).
Gold Rule
Object + 卖
The object being sold must be explicitly stated or implied. E.g., '卖房子' (sell a house), '卖水果' (sell fruit).
Word Origin
From Old Chinese *mrats (to sell), related to the character '买' (buy). The character '卖' combines '买' (buy) with the '十' (ten) radical, symbolizing commercial exchange.
Usage Notes
In modern Chinese, '卖' is the default verb for selling. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts (e.g., betrayal). For formal business contexts, '销售' or '出售' may be preferred.
Word Breakdown
买
buy
root十
ten
radical汉英词典