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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'going missing' with 失踪 (shīzōng)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 失踪

    Explanation

    The verb 失踪 (shīzōng) means 'to go missing' or 'to disappear.' It combines 失 (to lose) with 踪 (trace, track), literally meaning 'to lose one's trace.' It is used in news and everyday speech when someone's whereabouts are unknown, especially in the context of disasters or emergencies.

    Examples

    • 那个登山者已经失踪三天了。

      nà gè dēngshānzhě yǐjīng shīzōng sān tiān le.

      That mountain climber has been missing for three days.

    • 台风过后，有多人失踪，搜救工作仍在进行。

      táifēng guòhòu, yǒu duō rén shīzōng, sōujiù gōngzuò réng zài jìnxíng.

      After the typhoon, multiple people are missing and search and rescue operations are still ongoing.

    • 她的宠物猫突然失踪了，她急得到处找。

      tā de chǒngwù māo tūrán shīzōng le, tā jí de dàochù zhǎo.

      Her pet cat suddenly went missing, and she anxiously searched everywhere.

    Expressing 'going missing' with 失踪 (shīzōng) | Chinese Grammar