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B2 noun 9 min read

失物

shi wu
Examples 失物 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 失物 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '失物' (shīwù) yet. Instead, you focus on the basic verb '丢' (diū), which means 'to lose.' You learn to say simple sentences like '我丢了钱包' (I lost my wallet) or '我的手机丢了' (My phone is lost). You might see the characters '失物' on a sign in a park or a station, but at this stage, you only need to recognize that '失' means 'lost' and '物' means 'thing.' If you lose something, you would likely just point to a picture of the item or use the simplest words possible to tell a teacher or a guard. This level is about survival communication, and '失物' is a bit too formal for most A1 situations.
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At the A2 level, you begin to recognize '失物招领' (shīwù zhāolǐng) as a set phrase. You understand that when you see these four characters together on a sign, it means 'Lost and Found.' You can ask basic questions like '失物招领处在哪里？' (Where is the lost property office?). You are starting to move beyond just using verbs and are beginning to use nouns to describe categories of things. You might also learn '丢的东西' (the things I lost) as a more natural way to speak, but you are aware that '失物' is the official term you will hear in announcements at a bus station or airport.
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At the B1 level, you can use '失物' in slightly more complex sentences. You understand the difference between the verb '丢失' (to lose) and the noun '失物' (lost property). You can describe a situation where you found something and want to return it: '我捡到了一件失物' (I found a lost item). You are also becoming familiar with related words like '失主' (shīzhǔ), which means the owner of the lost item. You can handle a basic interaction at a customer service desk, explaining what your '失物' looks like and when you might have lost it. Your vocabulary is expanding to include the formal terms used in daily life in a Chinese city.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use '失物' with the correct register and in formal contexts. You can write a '失物招领启事' (Lost and Found Notice) using appropriate formatting and vocabulary. You understand that '失物' is a formal noun and can pair it with sophisticated verbs like '认领' (to claim), '归还' (to return), or '核实' (to verify). You can discuss the social responsibility of returning lost items and understand the nuances of formal announcements. You no longer confuse '失物' with similar-sounding words like '食物' because you have a strong grasp of context and tones. You are comfortable navigating administrative procedures involving lost property.
At the C1 level, you use '失物' and its more formal variant '遗失物' with precision. You can discuss the legal implications of '遗失物' (lost property) versus '无主物' (ownerless property) in a legal or academic setting. You understand the cultural 'Positive Energy' narratives surrounding the return of lost items in Chinese media. You can read news reports about large-scale lost property systems and understand the logistics involved. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker's in formal writing, and you can switch between casual and formal terms (like '丢的东西' vs '失物') effortlessly depending on your audience.
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word '失物' and its place in the Chinese language. You can interpret classical or literary references to lost items and understand how the concept of 'property' has evolved in Chinese history. You can engage in high-level debates about the ethics and laws governing '遗失物' and '拾得物' (found property). You are sensitive to the subtle differences in tone and implication between '失物,' '遗失物,' and '财物' in complex legal or philosophical texts. You can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific administrative or sterile environments, or use it metaphorically in sophisticated ways.
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Examples

失物 in 30 Seconds

  • 失物 (shīwù) is a formal noun meaning 'lost property,' commonly used in public spaces like stations and malls.
  • It is most often seen in the phrase '失物招领' (shīwù zhāolǐng), which means 'Lost and Found.'
  • The word is distinct from the verb '丢' (diū), which means 'to lose'; 失物 is the lost object itself.
  • It is used in formal announcements and legal contexts, but rarely in very casual daily conversation with friends.

The term 失物 (shīwù) is a formal Chinese noun that translates directly to 'lost property' or 'lost items.' It is composed of two characters: 失 (shī), meaning 'to lose' or 'to miss,' and 物 (wù), meaning 'thing' or 'object.' Together, they describe items that have been unintentionally separated from their owners in public spaces, commercial establishments, or transit systems. Understanding this word is essential for navigating daily life in Chinese-speaking environments, as it appears on signage, in announcements, and in legal contexts.

Administrative Context
You will most frequently encounter this word at a 失物招领处 (shīwù zhāolǐng chù), which is the 'Lost and Found' office. Whether you are at a high-speed railway station in Shanghai or a shopping mall in Taipei, this is the standard terminology used to denote the place where lost items are stored and claimed.
Legal and Formal Nuance
Unlike the casual phrase '丢的东西' (diū de dōngxi), which simply means 'things that were lost,' 失物 carries an official weight. It is the term used in police reports, insurance claims, and public notices. It implies a state of being lost that requires a formal process for recovery.

如果您在车站发现了失物，请将其交给工作人员。 (If you find lost property in the station, please hand it over to the staff.)

Common public announcement in Chinese transit systems.

In terms of register, 失物 is neutral to formal. While you might tell a friend '我丢了钱包' (I lost my wallet), you would ask a security guard '请问失物招领处在哪里？' (Excuse me, where is the lost property office?). This distinction is vital for B2 learners who are moving from basic communication to professional or situational fluency. The word is often paired with verbs like 认领 (rènlǐng - to claim), 归还 (guīhuán - to return), and 登记 (dēngjì - to register/log).

失主正在急切地寻找他的失物。 (The owner is anxiously looking for his lost property.)

Compound Usage
The word frequently combines with '招领' (zhāolǐng), which means 'to notify the owner to claim.' Thus, '失物招领' is the most common compound. You might also see '失物登记表' (lost property registration form) in administrative settings.

这件失物已经在这里存放了一个月。 (This lost item has been stored here for a month.)

Using 失物 (shīwù) correctly requires an understanding of its role as a formal noun. It usually functions as the object of a sentence or as part of a compound noun phrase. Because it is a formal term, it is often surrounded by other formal verbs such as 寻找 (xúnzhǎo - to look for), 发现 (fāxiàn - to discover), and 领取 (lǐngqǔ - to collect/receive).

Subject/Object Position
As an object: '他归还了捡到的失物' (He returned the lost property he found). As a subject: '这些失物无人认领' (These lost items remain unclaimed).

请核对您的失物描述。 (Please verify the description of your lost property.)

In B2 level Chinese, you should practice using 失物 in the context of passive voice or formal requests. For example, using the '把' (bǎ) construction: '请把失物交给前台' (Please give the lost property to the front desk). This structure emphasizes the handling of the object, which is common in instructional language.

Common Verb Pairings
  • 认领 (rènlǐng): To identify and claim lost property.
  • 交还 (jiāohuán): To return property to its owner.
  • 妥善保管 (tuǒshàn bǎoguǎn): To keep lost items safely.

警方正在通过监控录像寻找失物。 (The police are looking for the lost property through surveillance footage.)

Furthermore, 失物 is often used in the phrase '失物招领启事' (Lost and Found Notice). This is a specific type of formal writing (应用文) that B2 students are often expected to master. The structure typically includes the nature of the item (e.g., 黑色钱包), the location found, and contact information.

由于无人认领，这件失物将被移交给警方。 (Since no one claimed it, this lost item will be handed over to the police.)

Quantifiers and Classifiers
The most common classifier for 失物 is '件' (jiàn), which is used for individual items or matters. For a collection of items, you might use '批' (pī), as in '一大批失物' (a large batch of lost property).

In a modern Chinese city, 失物 (shīwù) is everywhere—though you hope you never have to look for it. It is a staple of public infrastructure communication. If you leave your umbrella on a Beijing subway or your camera in a Chengdu park, the word '失物' will be your primary search term.

Public Transportation
In subways and buses, automated announcements often remind passengers: '请带好随身物品，谨防失落' (Please take your belongings with you to prevent loss). If something is found, the broadcast might say: '车站捡到一件失物，请失主到值班室认领' (A lost item was found in the station; please come to the duty room to claim it).

失物招领处通常位于地铁站的服务中心。 (失物 Lost and found offices are usually located at subway station service centers.)

You will also hear this word in large commercial spaces. Shopping malls (商场), amusement parks (游乐园), and museums (博物馆) all have dedicated desks for '失物招领'. In these places, staff are trained to use formal language, so they will refer to your 'lost phone' as '失物' rather than the more casual '丢的手机'.

Academic Environments
On university campuses, bulletin boards (both physical and digital) are filled with '失物招领' posts. Students frequently lose student IDs (学生证), keys (钥匙), and textbooks (课本). These posts are a great way to see how '失物' is used in semi-formal peer-to-peer communication.

他在校园网上发布了一条失物招领信息。 (He posted a lost property notice on the campus network.)

In the digital age, '失物' has moved to apps. Didi (the ride-hailing giant) has a '失物寻找' (Lost Property Search) feature in its app. If you leave something in a car, you click this button to initiate a chat with the driver or the platform's customer service. Here, the word is used in a very functional, tech-oriented way.

请在APP中提交您的失物申请。 (Please submit your lost property application in the APP.)

News and Media
Local news segments often feature 'Positive Energy' (正能量) stories where a taxi driver returns a '失物' containing a large amount of cash. In these stories, '失物' is used to emphasize the integrity of the person who found it.

While 失物 (shīwù) is a straightforward noun, English speakers often make mistakes by confusing it with verbs or using it in overly casual contexts where other words are more appropriate.

Confusing Noun and Verb
A common error is trying to use '失物' as a verb meaning 'to lose something.' For example, saying '我失物了钱包' is grammatically incorrect. You must use the verb 丢 (diū) or 丢失 (diūshī). Correct: '我丢失了钱包' or '这是我的失物'.

Incorrect: 我在地铁失物了。 (I 'lost property' in the subway.)
Correct: 我在地铁丢失了财物。 (I lost my belongings in the subway.)

Another mistake is overusing the word in casual conversation. If you are talking to a friend about losing your keys, using '失物' sounds unnaturally stiff. It's like saying 'I have misplaced my personal property' instead of 'I lost my keys.' Use '丢的东西' or just name the item in casual settings.

Misunderstanding 'Lost' vs 'Abandoned'
In Chinese, 失物 specifically implies the owner wants the item back. It is different from '废弃物' (fèiqìwù - waste/abandoned items) or '遗弃物' (yíqìwù - property left behind intentionally). Calling trash '失物' would be confusing.

注意：并非所有在街上的东西都是失物。 (Note: Not everything on the street is lost property.)

Furthermore, beginners sometimes confuse 失物 (shīwù) with 事物 (shìwù - matters/affairs) or 食物 (shíwù - food) due to similar pronunciations. While the tones are different (shī vs shì vs shí), in fast speech, they can be mixed up. Context is key: you '认领' (claim) a '失物', but you '吃' (eat) '食物'.

不要把失物(shīwù) 听成 食物(shíwù)。 (Don't mistake lost property for food.)

Register Errors
Using '失物' in a sentence like '我的失物是蓝色的' (My lost property is blue) is technically correct but sounds like a textbook exercise. A native speaker would say '我丢的那个东西是蓝色的' or '那个蓝色的包是我丢的'.

To truly master Chinese at the B2 level, you need to understand the synonyms and related terms for 失物 (shīwù) and how they differ in nuance and usage.

遗失物 (yíshīwù)
This is the full, more formal version of '失物'. It is frequently used in legal documents and official police terminology. While '失物' is common in speech and signs, '遗失物' is what you will see in the 'Civil Code' or formal contracts.
丢的东西 (diū de dōngxi)
The most common colloquial way to say 'lost things.' This is what you use with friends, family, or in a casual conversation with a store clerk. It is flexible and easy to use.

法律上，遗失物的所有权属于原主。 (Legally, the ownership of lost property belongs to the original owner.)

Another important pair to distinguish is 失物 (shīwù) and 拾得物 (shídéwù). While '失物' is from the perspective of the person who lost it (the loser), '拾得物' is the term used for the exact same item from the perspective of the person who found it (the finder). In a lost and found office, they might use '拾得物登记' to record what has been brought in.

财物 (cáiwù)
This refers to 'possessions' or 'valuables.' It is often used in the phrase '随身财物' (belongings on one's person). If you lose your wallet and phone, you might say '丢失了贵重财物' (lost valuable possessions).

请看管好您的随身财物。 (Please take care of your personal belongings.)

For specific types of lost property, Chinese uses specific nouns. If you lose a document, it's '遗失证件' (yíshī zhèngjiàn). If you lose luggage, it's '遗失行李' (yíshī xínglǐ). While '失物' covers all of these, using the specific noun is always better if you know it.

他正在寻找一件重要的遗失物。 (He is looking for an important lost item.)

Checklist for Choosing
  • Casual: 丢的东西 (diū de dōngxi)
  • Signage/Public: 失物 (shīwù)
  • Legal/Official: 遗失物 (yíshīwù)
  • Valuables: 财物 (cáiwù)
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Examples by Level

1

我丢了钱包。

I lost my wallet.

Uses the basic verb '丢' (diū).

2

这是你的东西吗？

Is this your thing?

Uses '东西' (dōngxi) for a lost item.

3

我的手机在那儿。

My phone is over there.

Simple location sentence.

4

我不见了钥匙。

My keys are gone.

Uses '不见了' (bù jiàn le) to mean missing.

5

请问，这是谁的？

Excuse me, whose is this?

Basic possessive question.

6

我找到了！

I found it!

Uses '找到' (zhǎodào) for finding.

7

你的包在哪儿？

Where is your bag?

Basic 'where' question.

8

谢谢你帮我找。

Thank you for helping me look.

Simple expression of gratitude.

1

失物招领处在二楼。

The lost and found is on the second floor.

Uses '失物招领处' as a set location.

2

我丢了一件重要的东西。

I lost an important thing.

Uses the classifier '件' (jiàn).

3

请到这里来领你的包。

Please come here to collect your bag.

Uses '领' (lǐng) for collecting property.

4

他在找他丢失的钱包。

He is looking for his lost wallet.

Uses '丢失' (diūshī) as an adjective.

5

如果你捡到东西，请交给老师。

If you find something, please give it to the teacher.

Conditional sentence with '如果'.

6

这里有很多失物。

There are many lost items here.

Uses '失物' as a collective noun.

7

这个钱包是谁丢的？

Who lost this wallet?

Uses the '是...的' construction for emphasis.

8

失物招领的电话是多少？

What is the phone number for lost and found?

Asking for specific information.

1

他在失物招领处登记了他的信息。

He registered his information at the lost and found.

Uses '登记' (dēngjì) meaning to register.

2

这件失物已经被认领了。

This lost item has already been claimed.

Passive voice with '被' (bèi).

3

请描述一下你失物的特征。

Please describe the characteristics of your lost item.

Uses '特征' (tèzhēng) for characteristics.

4

失主可以通过电话联系我们。

The owner can contact us via phone.

Uses '失主' (shīzhǔ) for the owner.

5

我捡到了一件失物，想交给警察。

I found a lost item and want to hand it over to the police.

Expressing intention with '想'.

6

车站每天都会收到很多失物。

The station receives many lost items every day.

Uses '收到' (shōudào) for receiving.

7

如果你发现了失物，请保持原样。

If you find lost property, please leave it as it is.

Formal instruction.

8

他很幸运地找回了失物。

He luckily recovered his lost property.

Uses the adverb '幸运地' (xìngyùn de).

1

请务必核对失物的详细信息后再进行领取。

Please be sure to verify the detailed information of the lost property before collecting it.

Uses '务必' (wùbì) for emphasis and '核对' (héduì) for verify.

2

这批失物将会在网上公示一周。

This batch of lost property will be publicly announced online for a week.

Uses '公示' (gōngshì) for public notice.

3

由于失物中含有贵重物品，我们需要核实您的身份。

Since the lost property contains valuables, we need to verify your identity.

Uses '含有' (hányǒu) and '核实' (héshí).

4

拾金不昧是归还失物的美德。

Not pocketing the money one finds is the virtue of returning lost property.

Uses the idiom '拾金不昧' (shíjīn bùmèi).

5

如果您在出租车上遗落了失物，请联系出租车公司。

If you left lost property in a taxi, please contact the taxi company.

Uses '遗落' (yíluò) for leaving something behind.

6

失物招领处的工作人员非常负责。

The staff at the lost and found office are very responsible.

Adjective phrase describing staff.

7

这件失物已经存放超过三个月，将按规定处理。

This lost item has been stored for over three months and will be handled according to regulations.

Uses '按规定' (àn guīdìng) for according to rules.

8

认领失物时需要提供有效的购买凭证。

Valid proof of purchase is required when claiming lost property.

Uses '购买凭证' (gòumǎi píngzhèng) for proof of purchase.

1

法律规定，拾得人有义务妥善保管失物并寻找失主。

The law stipulates that the finder is obligated to properly keep the lost property and look for the owner.

Uses legal terms like '拾得人' and '妥善保管'.

2

该平台通过大数据技术提高了失物招领的效率。

The platform has improved the efficiency of lost and found through big data technology.

Uses technical terminology.

3

他因私藏失物而受到了法律的制裁。

He was sanctioned by the law for privately concealing lost property.

Uses '私藏' (sīcáng) and '制裁' (zhìcái).

4

失物招领系统实现了全国联网，方便跨城寻物。

The lost and found system has achieved national networking, facilitating cross-city searches.

Uses '联网' (liánwǎng) and '跨城' (kuàchéng).

5

这种行为不仅是道德问题，更涉及失物所有权的法律归属。

This behavior is not only a moral issue but also involves the legal attribution of lost property ownership.

Uses '涉及' (shèjí) and '归属' (guīshǔ).

6

在处理大量失物时，分类管理显得尤为重要。

When dealing with a large amount of lost property, categorized management is particularly important.

Uses '尤为重要' (yóuwéi zhòngyào).

7

失物中不乏一些具有纪念意义的私人物品。

There is no shortage of private items with commemorative significance among the lost property.

Uses '不乏' (bùfá) meaning 'not lacking'.

8

通过监控录像，警方成功追踪到了失物的下落。

Through surveillance footage, the police successfully tracked the whereabouts of the lost property.

Uses '追踪' (zhuīzōng) and '下落' (xiàluò).

1

失物招领的背后体现了一个社会的诚信体系与人文关怀。

Behind 'lost and found' lies a society's credit system and humanistic care.

Abstract philosophical expression.

2

对于遗失物的法律界定，学术界仍存在一定的争议。

There is still some controversy in academia regarding the legal definition of lost property.

Uses '法律界定' (fǎlǜ jièdìng) and '学术界' (xuéshùjiè).

3

若拾得人拒绝归还失物，失主有权提起民事诉讼。

If the finder refuses to return the lost property, the owner has the right to file a civil lawsuit.

Uses '提起诉讼' (tíqǐ sùsòng).

4

他在文章中将失落的童年比作一件永远无法认领的失物。

In his article, he compared his lost childhood to a piece of lost property that can never be claimed.

Metaphorical use of '失物'.

5

失物保管期间产生的必要费用，应由失主承担。

Necessary expenses incurred during the storage of lost property shall be borne by the owner.

Uses '承担' (chéngdān) for bearing costs.

6

公共场所应完善失物招领流程，以彰显社会文明进步。

Public places should improve the lost and found process to demonstrate the progress of social civilization.

Uses '彰显' (zhāngxiǎn) for demonstrating/highlighting.

7

这种对失物物归原主的坚持，折射出深厚的文化底蕴。

This persistence in returning lost property to its original owner reflects a profound cultural heritage.

Uses '物归原主' (wùguīyuánzhǔ) and '折射' (zhéshè).

8

随着物联网的发展，失物找寻将变得更加智能化和精准化。

With the development of the Internet of Things, searching for lost property will become more intelligent and precise.

Uses '物联网' (wùliánwǎng) and '智能化' (zhìnénghuà).

Common Collocations

失物招领
认领失物
归还失物
寻找失物
一件失物
保管失物
核实失物
登记失物
大批失物
无主失物

Common Phrases

失物招领启事

— A formal notice posted to find the owner of a lost item.

他在布告栏贴了一张失物招领启事。

失物认领处

— Another name for the Lost and Found, focusing on the act of claiming.

请到失物认领处领取您的钥匙。

捡到失物

— To find a lost item (usually in a public place).

我在公园捡到了一件失物。

失物清单

— A list of lost items.

这是本月收到的失物清单。

领取失物

— To collect or pick up a lost item that was found.

他下午去机场领取失物。

失物信息

— Information regarding a lost item.

我们正在核对失物信息。

失物管理

— The management or administration of lost property.

商场加强了失物管理工作。

失物返还

— The return of lost property to its owner.

失物返还率今年有所提高。

处理失物

— To handle or dispose of unclaimed lost property.

这些逾期未领的失物将按流程处理。

失物描述

— A description of the lost item.

请提供详

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