shū: 输 - To Lose, Transport, Input

Keywords: shu, 输, lose in Chinese, how to say lose, transport in Chinese, input, defeat, be defeated, shūrù, shūle, Chinese verb for lose

Summary: Learn the versatile Chinese character 输 (shū), which most commonly means “to lose” a game, but also forms the basis for words like “to transport” goods and “to input” data. This comprehensive guide explores its use in everyday conversation, from sports to business, and delves into the cultural significance of winning and losing in China. Discover how 输 (shū) is used in essential words like “input” (输入) and “transport” (运输), making it a crucial character for every beginner's vocabulary.

Pinyin (with tone marks): shū

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: HSK 3

Concise Definition: To lose, be defeated; to transport, convey; to input.

In a Nutshell: 输 (shū) is the word you'll hear constantly in any competitive setting in China. It's the direct and simple way to say you've lost a game, an argument, or a bet. It carries a clear sense of defeat. However, 输 (shū) has a second, equally important identity related to movement and transfer. Think of it as “transferring” data into a computer (输入 shūrù), “transferring” goods across the country (运输 yùnshū), or even “transferring” blood to a patient (输血 shūxuè). The context will always make the meaning clear.

输 (shū) is a phono-semantic compound character, meaning one part gives the meaning and the other gives the sound.

车 (chē): The radical on the left means “car” or “vehicle.” This provides the core semantic meaning related to transport and movement.

俞 (yú): The component on the right originally meant something like “to hollow out a log to make a canoe,” implying passage or conveyance. It primarily provides the phonetic sound for shū.

Together, 车 (vehicle) + 俞 (passage) originally created a strong image of transportation. The abstract meaning of “to lose” can be thought of as your advantage, points, or resources being “transported” away to your opponent.

In Chinese culture, the concept of “losing” is often tied to the idea of 面子 (miànzi) - “face” or social standing. While in the West, the saying “It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game” is common, the pressure to not 输 (shū) can be significantly higher in many Chinese contexts, such as academics or business negotiations.

Losing a major competition or failing a critical exam might be seen not just as a personal setback, but as causing the family or school to “lose face” (丢脸 diūliǎn).

This leads to the culturally significant term 输不起 (shū bù qǐ), which literally means “can't afford to lose.” It can describe someone who is a “sore loser,” but it also describes a high-stakes situation where the consequences of losing are dire. This highlights a cultural value where persistence and the drive to succeed are extremely important. The Western concept of “failing forward” or celebrating failure as a learning opportunity is becoming more popular in China, but the traditional aversion to 输 (shū) remains strong.

输 (shū) is an incredibly common word used across many domains of life.

Not Recognizing the “Transport/Input” Meaning: A beginner might see 输血 (shūxuè) and guess “lose blood” instead of “transfuse blood”. Remember that when 输 (shū) is part of a two-character word, especially a technical one, it very often means transport, transfer, or input.

`赢 (yíng)` - The direct antonym of 输: “to win.”

`失败 (shībài)` - A more formal term for “failure” or “to be defeated.” Often used for larger ventures, like a project or a business failing.

`打败 (dǎbài)` - “To defeat” someone; the action of making someone else 输.

`认输 (rènshū)` - “To admit defeat,” “to concede,” “to give up.”

`输入 (shūrù)` - “To input.” A key compound word showing the “transport” meaning of 输.

`运输 (yùnshū)` - “To transport,” “transportation.” Another essential compound word.

`失去 (shīqù)` - “To lose” an object, a person, or an abstract concept like hope. Used for possessions, not competitions.

`输不起 (shū bù qǐ)` - “Can't afford to lose” or “sore loser.” A culturally important phrase.