失误 shīwù lapse
lapse; mistake; to make a mistake; fault; service fault (in volleyball, tennis etc)
How to remember 失误: 失 to lose + 误 mistake = lapse.
Characters
How it is used
- An unintentional slip or lapse in performing something: 操作失误 (cāozuò shīwù) an operating error; also a fault in sports.
- Contrast 错误 (cuòwù), a broader "mistake" that can be moral or factual; 失误 is an accidental misstep, usually blameless in intent.
- Habitual: 工作失误, 出现失误.
Example sentences
- 汤姆犯了个大失误。 Tāngmǔ fàn le gè dà shīwù.Tom has made a big mistake.