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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to lose' with 失去 (shīqù)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 失去 + 了 + Object

    Explanation

    The verb 失去 (shīqù) means "to lose" in Chinese, specifically referring to losing something one once had. It is used for abstract losses such as losing a person, opportunity, freedom, or quality, rather than misplacing physical objects.

    Examples

    • 失去健康以后，他才明白什么最重要。

      shīqù jiànkāng yǐhòu, tā cái míngbai shénme zuì zhòngyào.

      Only after losing his health did he understand what is most important.

    • 她不想失去这次难得的工作机会。

      tā bù xiǎng shīqù zhè cì nándé de gōngzuò jīhuì.

      She doesn't want to lose this rare job opportunity.

    • 那场大火让他们失去了所有的家产。

      nà chǎng dàhuǒ ràng tāmen shīqù le suǒyǒu de jiāchǎn.

      That big fire caused them to lose all their family property.

    Expressing 'to lose' with 失去 (shīqù) | Chinese Grammar