Meaning and Usage
The word 失误 (shīwù) primarily refers to a mistake or error, often implying a lapse in attention or judgment that leads to a fault. It is commonly used in contexts like sports, work, or any situation where a slip causes a negative outcome.
Common Collocations
- 出现失误 (chūxiàn shīwù): to make a mistake or lapse
- 严重失误 (yánzhòng shīwù): serious mistake
- 失误率 (shīwù lǜ): error rate
These collocations highlight the frequency and severity of mistakes.
Usage Notes
失误 often implies an unintentional error rather than a deliberate wrongdoing. It is more formal than some casual words for mistake like 错 (cuò). When used in sports or professional contexts, it emphasizes the impact of the error on performance or results.
Common Confusions
Do not confuse 失误 with 失败 (shībài), which means failure or defeat. 失误 focuses on the mistake itself, while 失败 refers to the overall outcome.
Summary
Use 失误 to talk about lapses or mistakes that cause problems, especially in formal or semi-formal contexts such as work, sports, or exams. It helps convey that the error was unintentional but significant.