马革裹尸 Wrapped in horsehide and buried
Explanation
用马皮裹尸。指英勇牺牲在战场。形容为国捐躯的壮烈。
Wrapped in horsehide. It refers to bravely sacrificing oneself on the battlefield. It describes the heroic death for the country.
Origin Story
东汉时期，名将马援征战沙场多年，屡立战功。有一次，他率军出征，年事已高的他依然冲锋陷阵，英勇杀敌。在一次激烈的战斗中，马援不幸中箭身亡，壮烈殉国。临终前，他说：“男儿应战死疆场，用马皮裹着尸体运回故乡安葬，怎能死在病床上，死在儿女手中呢？”他用自己的行动诠释了“马革裹尸”的含义，成为后世人们敬仰的英雄。他的故事流传至今，激励着一代又一代人为了保卫祖国而英勇奋斗。马援的故事也告诉我们，人生的价值在于为国家、为人民做出贡献。只有这样，才能实现自己的人生价值，才能不枉此生。
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the famous general Ma Yuan fought on the battlefield for many years and repeatedly made military achievements. Once, he led his troops on an expedition, and despite his age, he still fought bravely in the front line. In a fierce battle, Ma Yuan was unfortunately shot by an arrow and died a heroic death. Before his death, he said: “A man should die on the battlefield, and have his body wrapped in horsehide and transported back to his hometown for burial, instead of dying in bed from illness, or dying in the hands of his children.” With his own actions, he explained the meaning of “Ma Ge Guo Shi”, and became a hero admired by later generations. His story has been passed down to this day, inspiring generations to fight bravely to defend their motherland. Ma Yuan's story also tells us that the value of life lies in making contributions to the country and the people. Only in this way can we realize our own life value and not regret our life.
Usage
常用来形容为国捐躯的壮烈场面，也用于赞扬为事业献身的人。
Often used to describe the heroic scene of dying for the country, it is also used to praise people who dedicate themselves to their careers.
Examples
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将军壮志未酬身先死，马革裹尸还故乡。
jiāngjūn zhuàngzhì wèichóu shēnxiānsǐ, mǎgé guǒshī huán gùxiāng.
The general died prematurely without fulfilling his ambitions and returned to his hometown wrapped in a horsehide shroud.
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他为国捐躯，马革裹尸，死得其所。
tā wèiguó juānqū, mǎgé guǒshī, sǐ de qí suǒ。
He died for his country, wrapped in a horsehide shroud, and died where he should die.