输
shū
In Chinese, 'lose' (to be defeated) is 输 (shū).
The verb 输 is used to express being defeated in a competition or a game. It is often used directly with the object of the competition, such as a match or a game, for example 输了比赛 (lost the match). Its antonym is 赢 (to win).
Meaning: (intransitive) be defeated (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 输 specifically means to be defeated, other terms exist for different contexts. The term 失去 is a formal way to translate the verb 'to lose', whereas 丢 is an informal way to say 'lose' when referring to misplacing objects in everyday conversation. For expressing the loss of an essential quality or a profound loss, the word 丧失 is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that a loss has already occurred or is a completed state, you can add the particle 了 after the verb to form 输了 (lost / have lost).
How do you pronounce it?
shū
Did you know?
- While 输 means 'to lose' in a game, it also means 'to transport' or 'to convey' in a different context, such as 输血 for 'blood transfusion'.
- The character 输 contains the radical 车 meaning 'cart' or 'vehicle', originally relating to the movement of goods.
- Using the phrase 输不起 describes someone who is a 'sore loser' or literally 'cannot afford to lose'.
Examples in context
- 是在下输了。My Lord I lose the game.This sentence is useful for showing the use of 输 in a formal address.Tatoeba #4916464 by Rainnye, translation #5194715 by thunderbreak
- 我们将会输了吗？Are we going to lose?This sentence is useful for asking about the possibility of losing using 输.Tatoeba #6938095 by Cheng, translation #2876101 by CK
- Ziri要输了。Ziri will lose.This sentence is useful for showing a future loss using 输.Tatoeba #11763694 by mayun, translation #10230732 by Amastan
- 失去机会To lose an opportunity
- 丧失信任Losing trust
- 我丢了手机I lost my phone
- 我们输了比赛We lost the game
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are playing a competitive board game.
- 俊杰 Junjie你会输吗？Nǐ huì shū ma?Are you going to lose?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我不会输的。Wǒ bù huì shū de.I won't lose.
- 俊杰 Junjie可是你快要输了。Kěshì nǐ kuàiyào shū le.But you are about to lose.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen别担心，我没输。Bié dānxīn, wǒ méi shū.Don't worry, I haven't lost.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
