Definition
卖淫 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to engage in prostitution' or 'prostitution'. It is formed by the verb 卖 ('to sell') and the object 淫 ('sex'). In usage, the two syllables can split: particles or time expressions can go between 卖 and 淫, as in 卖过淫 ('have engaged in prostitution') or 卖了三年淫 ('engaged in prostitution for three years'). The word is a sensitive term and should be used carefully.
v.o.
to engage in prostitutionprostitution
Examples
- 卖淫。Tā bú zài mài yín le.She no longer engages in prostitution.
- 。Tā mài guò yí cì yín.She engaged in prostitution once.
- 。Nà ge rén mài le sān nián yín.That person engaged in prostitution for three years.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.