Definition
赎身 is a separable verb (离合词) that historically meant to buy back one's freedom—often for slaves, prostitutes, or indentured servants. In modern Chinese it can also be used metaphorically for freeing oneself from oppressive situations. When used in a separated form, the verb 赎 and the object 身 are split by aspect markers or complements, e.g. 赎了身 (bought back freedom) or 赎过身 (have bought back freedom before).
v.o.
to buy back one's freedom (historically for slaves, prostitutes, or indentured servants)
Examples
- 赎身。Tā yòng le shí nián cái shú shēn.It took him ten years to buy back his freedom.
- ，。Tā shú le shēn, zhōngyú kěyǐ huí jiā.She bought back her freedom and finally could go home.
- 赎身。Gǔdài hěnduō rén bèipò shú shēn.In ancient times many people were forced to buy back their freedom.
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