In Chinese culture, “流血” is deeply intertwined with the concepts of sacrifice, struggle, and patriotism. While in English “shedding blood” can have similar connotations, the usage in Chinese is more frequent and central to narratives of nation-building, heroism, and personal hardship. A common and powerful phrase is 流血流汗 (liúxuè liúhàn), meaning “to shed blood and sweat.” This is the Chinese equivalent of the English idiom “blood, sweat, and tears,” but it often carries a stronger emphasis on physical toil and sacrifice for a collective good—be it for one's family, company, or country. It reflects a cultural value where enduring immense hardship for a greater goal is seen as virtuous. This contrasts with Western individualism, where personal suffering is often viewed as something to be minimized or avoided. In many Chinese historical and political narratives, `流血` is presented as a necessary, almost noble, precursor to success and national rejuvenation. The stories of revolutionary martyrs who “shed blood for the new China” (为新中国流血) are fundamental to modern Chinese identity.
The use of `流血` can be divided into literal and metaphorical contexts.