Meaning and Usage
The word 疏忽 (shūhū) primarily means 'to neglect' or 'to be careless.' It often implies a failure to pay sufficient attention, which can lead to mistakes or accidents. It is commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts, especially when discussing errors caused by lack of attention.
Common Collocations
- 疏忽大意 (shūhū dàyì): gross negligence or carelessness, often used to describe serious lapses.
- 疏忽职守 (shūhū zhíshǒu): neglecting one's duties.
- 疏忽了 (shūhū le): to have neglected or overlooked something.
Usage Notes
When using 疏忽, speakers often emphasize the consequences of carelessness, such as accidents or errors. It is more formal than casual words like 马虎 (mǎhu). Avoid confusing 疏忽 with 忽视 (hūshì), which means 'to ignore' deliberately; 疏忽 implies unintentional neglect.
Summary
Use 疏忽 to describe situations where someone unintentionally fails to pay attention or fulfill responsibilities, often resulting in negative outcomes. It fits well in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in professional or serious contexts.