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消失 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
消失xiāoshīto disappearHSK 5, n, 15 strokes, rank #949, Hard
消失xiāoshīto fade awayHSK 5, n, 15 strokes, rank #949, Hard
xiāoshī(xiao1shi1)xiao shi T1
  1. 1to disappear
  2. 2to fade away
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March 24, 2026

消失xiāoshī(xiao1shi1)

消失 (xiāo shī) means 'to disappear' or 'to fade away'. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as objects vanishing or feelings diminishing over time. This term conveys a sense of suddenness or an unexpected absence.

Strokes15Frequency#949DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of disappearing can relate to themes of impermanence and the fleeting nature of life, often reflected in poetry and literature. The phrase is sometimes used in discussions about relationships that fade over time.

Memory Tip

Imagine a magician's trick where something disappears before your eyes. The '消' (xiāo) part suggests a reduction or elimination, while '失' (shī) means 'to lose'. Together, you can visualize a lost item fading from view like a magic act.

Meanings of 消失

xiāoshī(xiao1shi1)
1to disappear
2to fade away
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 消失

消失Simplified
15Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#949Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

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Podcast: 消失

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AI Study Notes for 消失

Quick Contrast

消逝 (xiāoshì) vs 消失 (xiāoshī): use 消逝 when referring to a gradual or natural fading away, often in a more poetic or solemn context.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 消失 with similar terms like 失去 (shī qù), which means 'to lose' but implies possession before loss. 消失 is often used in both formal and informal settings but tends to sound more dramatic. Remember to practice the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 消失 connects with other words that describe states of being or changes, such as 变化 (biàn huà) meaning 'change' and 消灭 (xiāo miè) meaning 'to eliminate'. Focus on using it in sentences to understand its nuances better.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 消失 with 消灭 (xiāo miè), which means 'to eliminate' and implies a more forceful action. For example, saying '他消灭了' (tā xiāo miè le) suggests he actively made something disappear, while '他消失了' (tā xiāo shī le) indicates he simply vanished.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 消失

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Component Characters

消xiāoto disappear
HSK 710 strokes氵
View full entry
失shīto lose
5 strokes大
View full entry

How to say to disappear in Chinese

“to disappear” in Chinese is消失xiāoshī

消失 (xiāo shī) means 'to disappear' or 'to fade away'. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as objects vanishing or feelings diminishing over time. This term conveys a sense of suddenness or an unexpected absence.

When to use 消失

Be careful not to confuse 消失 with similar terms like 失去 (shī qù), which means 'to lose' but implies possession before loss. 消失 is often used in both formal and informal settings but tends to sound more dramatic. Remember to practice the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.

消失 or something close to it

消逝 (xiāoshì) vs 消失 (xiāoshī): use 消逝 when referring to a gradual or natural fading away, often in a more poetic or solemn context.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 消失 with 消灭 (xiāo miè), which means 'to eliminate' and implies a more forceful action. For example, saying '他消灭了' (tā xiāo miè le) suggests he actively made something disappear, while '他消失了' (tā xiāo shī le) indicates he simply vanished.

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失

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Frequently Asked Questions about 消失

No, 消失 can also refer to emotions or relationships that fade away.

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