Understanding 失败 (shībài)
The word 失败 means "to fail" or "to be defeated." It is commonly used in contexts involving exams, competitions, projects, or any situation where an expected goal is not achieved.
Usage Nuances
When you say someone 失败了, it implies they did not succeed in their attempt. This can be a literal defeat, such as losing a game, or a more abstract failure, like not passing a test.
Common Collocations
These phrases are often used to discuss setbacks and learning from mistakes.
Tone and Register
失败 is neutral and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. It can be softened by adding encouraging phrases to motivate someone after failure.
Avoiding Confusion
Don't confuse 失败 with 失误 (shīwù), which means "mistake" or "error." 失败 focuses on the overall failure or defeat, while 失误 refers to a specific error or slip.