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输家 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
输家loser (as opposed to winner 贏家|赢家[ying2 jia1])HSK 7, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #12262, Very Hard
  1. 1loser (as opposed to winner 贏家|赢家[ying2 jia1])
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March 24, 2026

输家

The term '输家' (shūjiā) literally means 'loser' in Mandarin. It is commonly used in contexts such as games, competitions, or metaphorically in life situations to describe someone who has failed to achieve a desired outcome. The term can carry a negative connotation, suggesting not only loss but also a lack of success.

Strokes23Frequency#12262DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, success is often highly valued, and being labeled a '输家' can carry significant social stigma. This highlights the importance of achievement and the pressures individuals face in competitions and societal expectations.

Memory tip

Think of '输' (shū) meaning 'to lose' and '家' (jiā) meaning 'family' or 'home'. Imagine a family that feels disheartened because they lost a game, making it easier to remember that '输家' refers to someone who has lost.

Meanings of 输家

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In English

What does 输家 mean in English?

输家

About 输家

输家Simplified
23Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 输家

Quick Contrast

失败者 (shībàizhě) - 'failure' is a broader term that emphasizes the act of failing, while 输家 (shūjiā) specifically refers to someone who has lost in a competition or game.

Usage Notes

'输家' is often used in informal contexts, but can also appear in literary works. Be careful with its connotation; while it can be used jokingly among friends, it may be considered harsh or insulting in serious discussions. Common collocations include '成为输家' (chéngwéi shūjiā) meaning 'to become a loser'.

HSK Study Tips

While '输家' is not specifically listed in the HSK vocabulary, it includes radicals and vocabulary that are relevant for learners at HSK 3 and above. Focus on related words like '赢' (yíng, to win) to understand the concept of winning and losing better.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '输家' with '赢家' (yíngjiā, winner). For example, saying '他是赢家' (tā shì yíngjiā) is correct, while mistakenly saying '他是输家' (tā shì shūjiā) when referring to someone who actually won would be incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 输家

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Component characters

输shūto lose
HSK 413 strokes车
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家jiāhome
HSK 110 strokes宀
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How to say loser (as opposed to winner 贏家|赢家[ying2 jia1]) in Chinese

“loser (as opposed to winner 贏家|赢家[ying2 jia1])” in Chinese is输家

The term '输家' (shūjiā) literally means 'loser' in Mandarin. It is commonly used in contexts such as games, competitions, or metaphorically in life situations to describe someone who has failed to achieve a desired outcome. The term can carry a negative connotation, suggesting not only loss but also a lack of success.

When to use 输家

'输家' is often used in informal contexts, but can also appear in literary works. Be careful with its connotation; while it can be used jokingly among friends, it may be considered harsh or insulting in serious discussions. Common collocations include '成为输家' (chéngwéi shūjiā) meaning 'to become a loser'.

输家 or something close to it

失败者 (shībàizhě) - 'failure' is a broader term that emphasizes the act of failing, while 输家 (shūjiā) specifically refers to someone who has lost in a competition or game.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '输家' with '赢家' (yíngjiā, winner). For example, saying '他是赢家' (tā shì yíngjiā) is correct, while mistakenly saying '他是输家' (tā shì shūjiā) when referring to someone who actually won would be incorrect.

Write 输家

输
家

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Cultural Notes for 输家

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, while losing can also carry a negative connotation, it is often seen as a part of learning and growth, with phrases like 'loser' sometimes used more lightly or humorously compared to its weight in Chinese culture.

Frequently asked questions about 输家

'输家' typically has a negative connotation, but in casual settings, it can be used humorously among friends.

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