sacrificio
/sah-kree-FEE-syoh/
sacrifice
Giving up something valuable or desired is a common meaning of sacrificio.
sacrificio(noun)
sacrifice
?giving up something valuable
,effort
?hard work or dedication
renunciation
?act of giving up a right or possession
,dedication
?commitment to a task
📝 In Action
Estudiar todos los días fue un gran sacrificio, pero valió la pena.
A2Studying every day was a great sacrifice, but it was worth it.
Mis padres hicieron muchos sacrificios para que yo pudiera ir a la universidad.
B1My parents made many sacrifices so that I could go to university.
Su sacrificio y disciplina la llevaron a ganar la medalla de oro.
B2Her dedication and discipline led her to win the gold medal.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Hacer'
To talk about making a sacrifice, Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to do/make): 'hacer un sacrificio'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Verb Choice
Mistake: "Hizo mucho sacrificio."
Correction: Hizo muchos sacrificios. (Often used in the plural when referring to multiple acts of effort or renunciation.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Emotional Weight
'Sacrificio' carries a strong emotional weight, implying the effort was difficult or costly to the person making it.
A religious offering or ritual is the second meaning of sacrificio.
📝 In Action
Los antiguos mayas realizaban sacrificios en sus templos.
B2The ancient Mayans performed sacrifices in their temples.
El sacerdote preparó el cordero para el sacrificio ritual.
C1The priest prepared the lamb for the ritual sacrifice.
💡 Grammar Points
Verbs for Rituals
When referring to a ritual offering, you often use verbs like 'realizar' (to perform) or 'ofrecer' (to offer).
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Context
This meaning is typically confined to discussions of history, religion, or mythology, and rarely used in everyday conversation.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sacrificio
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'sacrificio' to mean 'great personal effort'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'sacrificio' siempre una palabra negativa?
No. Aunque implica un costo o una pérdida, 'sacrificio' se usa a menudo en un sentido positivo para alabar la dedicación, el esfuerzo, o el amor de alguien hacia un objetivo o persona. Es el precio que se paga por algo bueno.