lièshì: 烈士 - Martyr, Revolutionary Martyr

• Keywords: 烈士, lièshì, Chinese martyr, revolutionary martyr, what does lieshi mean, Chinese hero, national sacrifice in China, 英雄, 烈士陵园, Chinese patriotism
• Summary: 烈士 (lièshì) is the powerful Chinese term for a “martyr,” specifically a person who has heroically sacrificed their life for a noble and just cause, most often for the nation, the people, or the revolution. Far more than just a “victim,” this honorific title is deeply connected to concepts of patriotism, sacrifice, and civic duty in China, and is frequently used to honor fallen soldiers, firefighters, and historical revolutionary figures. Understanding 烈士 is key to grasping the modern Chinese narrative of national struggle and heroism.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): lièshì
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: A person who has heroically sacrificed their life for a just cause, especially for their country or the revolution.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 烈士 (lièshì) not just as someone who died, but as someone who died for a purpose that society deems heroic and honorable. The term carries a heavy weight of solemn respect and reverence. It's a title bestowed posthumously by the government to honor individuals—from soldiers in wartime to firefighters in the present day—who made the ultimate sacrifice for the collective good. The feeling associated with it is one of profound respect and national pride, not just sadness.

• 烈 (liè): This character means “fiery,” “intense,” “ardent,” or “vehement.” It evokes a sense of passionate, unyielding, and powerful conviction.
• 士 (shì): This character originally referred to a scholar, a gentleman, or a member of the gentry class in ancient China. It carries connotations of honor, service, and moral bearing.
• When combined, 烈士 (lièshì) paints a picture of an honorable person (士) with a fiery, uncompromising spirit (烈) who stands firm for their beliefs to the point of death.

The concept of the 烈士 (lièshì) is central to modern China's national identity. It is deeply intertwined with the narrative of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which honors those who died during the Chinese Civil War and the Second Sino-Japanese War as foundational martyrs of the People's Republic. This is officially commemorated every year on September 30th, 烈士纪念日 (Lièshì Jìniànrì) - Martyrs' Memorial Day. The term reflects the strong collectivistic value in Chinese culture, where sacrificing for the group (the family, the community, and especially the nation) is seen as one of the highest virtues. It is an expression of ultimate 爱国主义 (àiguó zhǔyì) - patriotism. A useful comparison for Western learners is the distinction between a “martyr” and a `烈士`. In the West, “martyr” often carries strong religious connotations (e.g., someone who dies for their faith). While `烈士` can be used more broadly, in modern China it is almost exclusively a secular and political term. It is a state-conferred honor for those who die in service to the nation and the people, aligning with state-sanctioned values. It is closer in meaning to a “national hero who died in the line of duty” than to a religious martyr.

The term 烈士 (lièshì) is highly formal and used with great respect. You will not hear it in casual, everyday chat unless the topic is specifically about history, news, or a memorial event.

• Official and Media Contexts: You will encounter this term constantly in government documents, news reports, history textbooks, and museums. It is used to describe fallen soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and sometimes doctors or scientists who died in the line of duty (e.g., during the COVID-19 pandemic).
• Place Names: Many Chinese cities have a 烈士陵园 (lièshì língyuán), a Martyrs' Park or Cemetery. These are solemn public spaces dedicated to local or national martyrs, often featuring large monuments and memorials.
• Connotation: The connotation is entirely positive, honorable, and solemn. Using it improperly or disrespectfully is a serious social and even legal offense in China.

• Example 1:
  • 每年清明节，很多人会去烈士陵园扫墓。
  • Pinyin: Měi nián Qīngmíngjié, hěn duō rén huì qù lièshì língyuán sǎomù.
  • English: Every year during the Qingming Festival, many people go to the Martyrs' Cemetery to sweep the graves.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows a common cultural practice. The term is used as part of a proper noun, `烈士陵园 (lièshì língyuán)`.
• Example 2:
  • 他因在火灾中救人而牺牲，被追认为烈士。
  • Pinyin: Tā yīn zài huǒzāi zhōng jiù rén ér xīshēng, bèi zhuīrèn wéi lièshì.
  • English: He sacrificed his life saving people in the fire and was posthumously recognized as a martyr.
  • Analysis: This highlights the official nature of the term. `被追认为 (bèi zhuīrèn wéi)` means “to be posthumously recognized as,” showing that `烈士` is a formal title bestowed by an authority.
• Example 3:
  • 我们应该永远铭记革命烈士的贡献。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yīnggāi yǒngyuǎn míngjì gémìng lièshì de gòngxiàn.
  • English: We should forever remember the contributions of the revolutionary martyrs.
  • Analysis: This is a typical patriotic and formal sentence you might find in a textbook or hear in a speech.
• Example 4:
  • 这部电影讲述了一位无名烈士的感人故事。
  • Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng jiǎngshù le yī wèi wúmíng lièshì de gǎnrén gùshì.
  • English: This movie tells the moving story of an unknown martyr.
  • Analysis: The term can be used for both famous and anonymous individuals who fit the criteria.
• Example 5:
  • 作为烈士的家属，他们享有一些国家优待。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi lièshì de jiāshǔ, tāmen xiǎngyǒu yīxiē guójiā yōudài.
  • English: As family members of a martyr, they enjoy certain state benefits.
  • Analysis: This shows the practical, societal implications of the title. `烈士家属 (lièshì jiāshǔ)` means “martyr's family.”
• Example 6:
  • 每一位为国捐躯的士兵都是烈士。
  • Pinyin: Měi yī wèi wèi guó juānqū de shìbīng dōu shì lièshì.
  • English: Every soldier who gives their life for the country is a martyr.
  • Analysis: `为国捐躯 (wèi guó juānqū)` is a formal chengyu meaning “to die for one's country,” which is the very definition of a `烈士`.
• Example 7:
  • 孩子们在烈士纪念碑前献上了鲜花。
  • Pinyin: Háizimen zài lièshì jìniànbēi qián xiànshàng le xiānhuā.
  • English: The children presented flowers in front of the martyrs' monument.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes a common commemorative act, often done by school groups for patriotic education.
• Example 8:
  • 他的精神被人们称为“烈士精神”。
  • Pinyin: Tā de jīngshén bèi rénmen chēngwéi “lièshì jīngshén”.
  • English: His spirit is called the “spirit of a martyr” by the people.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates how the concept can be extended to describe a type of selfless and courageous spirit.
• Example 9:
  • 政府向烈士的父母颁发了荣誉证书。
  • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ xiàng lièshì de fùmǔ bānfā le róngyù zhèngshū.
  • English: The government issued a certificate of honor to the martyr's parents.
  • Analysis: This again emphasizes the formal, state-sanctioned nature of the honor.
• Example 10:
  • 历史书上记载了许多烈士的英勇事迹。
  • Pinyin: Lìshǐ shū shàng jìzǎi le xǔduō lièshì de yīngyǒng shìjì.
  • English: History books record the heroic deeds of many martyrs.
  • Analysis: A straightforward example showing its common use in the context of history and education.

• Mistake 1: Confusing `烈士 (lièshì)` with `受害者 (shòuhàizhě)` - Victim.

This is the most common error for learners. A `烈士` actively and consciously sacrifices their life for a cause. A `受害者` is a passive victim of a tragedy, crime, or disaster.

• Incorrect: 他在地震中去世了，是一位烈士。(Tā zài dìzhèn zhōng qùshì le, shì yī wèi lièshì.) - He died in the earthquake, he is a martyr.
• Correct: 他在地震中去世了，是一位受害者。(Tā zài dìzhèn zhōng qùshì le, shì yī wèi shòuhàizhě.) - He died in the earthquake, he is a victim.
• Correct (if he was a rescuer): 他为了救一个孩子在地震中牺牲了，是一位烈士。(Tā wèile jiù yī gè háizi zài dìzhèn zhōng xīshēng le, shì yī wèi lièshì.) - He sacrificed himself to save a child in the earthquake, he is a martyr.
• Mistake 2: Confusing `烈士 (lièshì)` with `英雄 (yīngxióng)` - Hero.

This is a subtle but important distinction. All `烈士` are considered `英雄`, but not all `英雄` are `烈士`. The key difference is death.

• `英雄 (yīngxióng)` can be living or dead. A successful general, a great athlete, or a heroic rescuer who survives are all heroes.
• `烈士 (lièshì)` is always deceased. It is a title specifically for a hero who has died for their cause.
• Example: 姚明是一位篮球英雄，但他不是烈士。(Yáo Míng shì yī wèi lánqiú yīngxióng, dàn tā bù shì lièshì.) - Yao Ming is a basketball hero, but he is not a martyr.

• 英雄 (yīngxióng) - Hero. The broader category of honored individuals, living or dead. A `烈士` is a specific type of `英雄`.
• 牺牲 (xīshēng) - To sacrifice (especially one's life). This is the verb that describes the action of a `烈士`.
• 爱国主义 (àiguó zhǔyì) - Patriotism. The core ideology and motivation often attributed to a `烈士`.
• 革命 (gémìng) - Revolution. The historical context for a vast number of China's most famous `烈士`.
• 烈士陵园 (lièshì língyuán) - Martyrs' Cemetery/Park. The physical places where `烈士` are buried and commemorated.
• 为国捐躯 (wèi guó juānqū) - A chengyu (idiom) meaning “to give one's life for the country.” It's a formal way to describe what a `烈士` does.
• 忠诚 (zhōngchéng) - Loyalty; allegiance. A core virtue that a `烈士` embodies towards their country or cause.
• 受害者 (shòuhàizhě) - Victim. A crucial antonym in terms of agency; a victim dies *from* something, while a martyr dies *for* something.