捨生取義 shě shēng qǔ yì

DEFINITIONS

  1. to give up life for righteousness (idiom, from Mencius); to choose honor over life
  2. would rather sacrifice one's life than one's principles

CHARACTERS

捨 shě discard, give up willingly; give alms
生 shēng
HSK 1
life, living, lifetime; birth
取 qǔ
HSK 4
take, receive, obtain; select
義 yì right conduct, righteousness