Meaning and Usage
"失踪" (shīzōng) means "to be missing" or "to disappear without a trace." It is commonly used to describe people or sometimes objects whose whereabouts are unknown, often in contexts involving police investigations or family concerns.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in news reports, police cases, and everyday conversations when discussing someone who has suddenly disappeared. It carries a serious tone and is often associated with worry or urgency.
Collocations and Patterns
- 失踪人口 (missing persons): refers to people who have disappeared.
- 失踪案件 (missing person case): legal or police cases involving missing individuals.
- 失踪多日 (missing for many days): emphasizes the duration of disappearance.
Usage Notes
"失踪" is a noun and verb compound, often used as a verb meaning "to go missing." It differs from "丢失" (diūshī), which means "to lose" but usually refers to objects rather than people. Avoid confusing "失踪" with "逃跑" (to escape/run away), as "失踪" does not imply intentional fleeing.
Summary
Use "失踪" when referring to someone or something that has disappeared mysteriously or unexpectedly, especially in formal or serious contexts like police reports or news stories.