生贄
Meanings
living sacrifice; sacrificial offering
Refers to a human or animal offered alive to a deity, often in historical or ritual contexts. Can be used metaphorically for someone forced to give up their life or freedom for a cause.
In ancient times, there was a custom of offering living sacrifices to the gods.
He became a sacrifice of war.
Figurative use: a person who is made to suffer or take the blame for others, often unfairly. Common in phrases like 生贄になる (to be made a scapegoat).
He was made the scapegoat for the company's scandal.
It's unforgivable for an innocent person to be made a victim.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉を生贄にするto make someone a sacrifice/scapegoat
He was made the scapegoat for the project's failure.
- 生贄になるto become a sacrifice/victim
A girl from the village became a sacrifice to the god.
- 〈神〉に生贄を捧げるto offer a sacrifice to a god
The villagers offered a sacrifice to the mountain god.