失败 — meaning in English: failure

shībài · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for defeat

驾驶室

jiàshǐ shì

索引

suǒyǐn

失败

shībài

垃圾

lèsè

决定

juédìng

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 失败 (shībài) in various situations involving personal or professional setbacks, such as discussing a failed project at work or reflecting on a disappointing exam result. In casual conversations, friends might comfort each other by sharing experiences of 失败 to normalize the feeling of failure and encourage resilience.

Synonyms & nuances

While 失败 (shībài) means 'failure,' its synonym, 失误 (shīwù), refers more specifically to a mistake or error rather than a broader failure. In contexts where one wishes to highlight a blunder rather than an overall failure, 失误 might be the preferred choice.

Culture

The term 失败 (shībài) carries significant cultural weight in Chinese society, where the pressure to succeed can be intense. Interestingly, the character '败' (bài) means 'to lose' or 'to be defeated,' which reflects a strong emphasis on competition. Historically, the concept of failure has been viewed not just as an end but as a crucial step in the learning process, echoing the famous Chinese proverb, '失败是成功之母' (failure is the mother of success).

FAQ

Q.What does 失败 mean in English?

失败 (shībài) translates to 'failure' in English, indicating a lack of success in an endeavor. It's commonly used to express disappointment or setbacks.

Q.How do I use 失败 in a sentence?

You can use 失败 in sentences like '我的计划失败了' (Wǒ de jìhuà shībài le), meaning 'My plan failed.' It's versatile and can refer to various types of failure.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 失败?

A common mistake is confusing 失败 with 失落 (shīluò), which means 'feeling lost' or 'disheartened.' Remember, 失败 focuses more on the concept of failing at something specific.

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