失落

• Pinyin: shī luò
• Hanzi breakdown: 失 = 失 (lose); 落 = 艹 + 洛 (fall)

Meaning

To lose; to be lost. As an adjective, disappointed, dejected, or let down.

Describes the physical loss of objects or the emotional state of disappointment and emptiness. Often used for losing something valuable, or feeling dejected when expectations are not met.

Examples

1. 他因为没有被录取而感到非常失落。 He felt very disappointed because he wasn’t accepted.
2. 考古学家发现了一座失落的古城。 Archaeologists discovered a lost ancient city.
3. 获悉结果后她的表情充满失落。 After hearing the result, her expression was full of disappointment.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, archaeology, disappointment

Tone: melancholic

Do Say

• 听到拒绝的消息，他难掩失落。(Hearing the rejection, he could not hide his disappointment.)
• 这件失落多年的文物终于回归故土。(This artifact lost for many years has finally returned home.)

Don't Say

• 我失落地成功 — contradictory; 失落 implies disappointment, not success

Origin & History

失 (lose) + 落 (fall/drop)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal