`错过` is deeply intertwined with the Chinese cultural concept of `缘分 (yuánfèn)`, which can be described as fate, destiny, or the “binding force” that brings people together. In Western culture, we might talk about “chemistry” or “serendipity,” but `缘分` is a more profound, almost spiritual force that governs relationships. When two people who should have been together fail to connect, a common explanation is that they `错过` each other because their `缘分` wasn't strong enough. This gives the word a heavy, poignant quality, especially in the context of romance. It's a cornerstone of Chinese love stories, songs, and TV dramas, where characters are often tormented by a past `错过`. To compare, the English phrase “a missed connection” is a close parallel but often more literal and less philosophical. You might have a “missed connection” with someone you saw on the subway. `错过`, however, can describe the entire arc of a potential relationship that never was, or a life-changing career path that wasn't taken. It speaks to a sense of irreversible loss and the passive acceptance of fate's role in life's “what ifs.”
`错过` is a common and versatile word used in various situations, from casual conversation to formal writing.
The biggest pitfall for English speakers is confusing `错过` with other words for “miss” or “lose.”