shīqù: 失去 - To Lose, To Be Deprived Of

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Summary: Learn the meaning and use of 失去 (shīqù), a core Chinese verb for “to lose”. This page explains how 失去 (shīqù) differs from simply misplacing an object, focusing on its use for profound, abstract, or irreversible losses like losing a loved one, an opportunity, or one's memory. Discover its cultural weight, see practical examples, and avoid common mistakes to use this essential HSK 4 word correctly.

Pinyin (with tone marks): shīqù

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: 4

Concise Definition: To lose, be deprived of, or forfeit something, often permanently and with emotional weight.

In a Nutshell: 失去 (shīqù) is not about losing your keys. It's the word you use for more significant, often abstract, and permanent losses. Think of “losing” a family member, “losing” a precious opportunity, “losing” your courage, or “losing” consciousness. It implies that what was lost is gone and not easily recovered, carrying a heavier emotional tone than just misplacing an item.

失 (shī): This character's core meaning is “to lose,” “to miss,” or “to fail.” It can be seen in words like 失望 (shīwàng, to be disappointed) and 失败 (shībài, to fail).

去 (qù): This character simply means “to go” or “to leave.”

The two characters combine to create a very direct and potent meaning: “lose-go.” This paints a picture of something not just being lost, but having actively gone away, emphasizing the finality and departure of the thing that was lost.

In Chinese culture, 失去 (shīqù) is a word heavy with significance. It's often used in literature, poetry, and serious conversation to discuss life's major turning points. The concept touches upon themes of impermanence found in both Buddhist and Taoist thought, which have deeply influenced Chinese culture. The acceptance of loss as a part of life's cycle is a recurring motif.

Using 失去 (shīqù) where 丢 (diū) is appropriate would sound overly dramatic, like saying “I have been deprived of my car keys” instead of “I lost my car keys.” This distinction highlights a cultural tendency in the language to categorize the nature and severity of a loss.

Formal and Written Contexts: You will frequently see 失去 in news reports about accidents (e.g., “失去生命” - to lose one's life), in legal documents (e.g., “失去权利” - to lose a right), and in academic writing.

Emotional and Personal Conversations: This is a key term when discussing personal tragedies, such as the death of a loved one, a difficult breakup (“我失去了他” - I lost him), or a major life setback. It conveys genuine sadness and gravity.

The most common mistake for learners is using 失去 (shīqù) for everyday, misplaced objects. It sounds overly dramatic and incorrect.

INCORRECT: 我失去了我的钱包。(Wǒ shīqùle wǒ de qiánbāo.)

WHY IT'S WRONG: A wallet is a simple, tangible object you've misplaced. The tone is too heavy.

CORRECT: 我丢了我的钱包。(Wǒ diūle wǒ de qiánbāo.)

Another common mistake is using 失去 (shīqù) for losing a competition or game.

INCORRECT: 我们的球队失去了比赛。(Wǒmen de qiúduì shīqùle bǐsài.)

WHY IT'S WRONG: Competitions are won or lost. The specific verb for losing a game is 输 (shū).

CORRECT: 我们的球队输了比赛。(Wǒmen de qiúduì shūle bǐsài.)

Key Takeaway: Before using 失去 (shīqù), ask yourself: Is this loss profound, permanent, or abstract? If you're talking about your keys, a game, or your bus ticket, use a different word. If you're talking about your hope, your health, or a loved one, 失去 (shīqù) is the right choice.

丢 (diū) - The direct counterpart for losing or misplacing a physical object. Less formal and emotional than 失去.

输 (shū) - Specifically means to lose a game, competition, or bet.

丧失 (sàngshī) - A more formal and severe synonym for 失去. Often used in legal or medical contexts for losing rights, abilities, or functions (e.g., 丧失视力 - to lose one's sight).

错过 (cuòguò) - To miss (an opportunity, a bus, an event). It implies that something passed you by, but not necessarily that you “possessed” it and then lost it.

消失 (xiāoshī) - To disappear, to vanish. This describes the action of something becoming unseen, while 失去 describes the state of the person who has lost it.

放弃 (fàngqì) - To give up; to abandon. This is an active choice to let something go, whereas 失去 is often a passive experience of being deprived of something.

得到 (dédào) - Antonym. To get, to obtain, to gain.

拥有 (yōngyǒu) - Antonym. To possess, to own. This implies a more stable and long-term state of having something.