Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to be missing' or 'to lose' with 失 (shī)

    Actions & Events
    Existence & Possession

    Structure

    Subject + 失

    Explanation

    The verb 失 (shī) means 'to lose' or 'to be missing.' It often appears in formal or written contexts and can describe the disappearance of objects or people. It is commonly combined with other characters to form compound words like 失踪 (to go missing) or 丢失 (to lose).

    Examples

    • 我的钱包在地铁上丢失了。

      Wǒ de qiánbāo zài dìtiě shàng diūshī le.

      My wallet was lost on the subway.

    • 那个孩子已经失踪三天了。

      Nàge háizi yǐjīng shīzōng sān tiān le.

      That child has been missing for three days.

    • 这份重要的文件不能丢失。

      Zhè fèn zhòngyào de wénjiàn bù néng diūshī.

      This important document must not be lost.

    Similar Grammar

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'to be missing' or 'to lose' with 失 (shī) | Chinese Grammar