B2 Expression 非正式

Ser un caso perdido.

To be a lost cause.

意思

To be beyond help or improvement.

🌍

文化背景

In Spain, the phrase is often used with a sense of 'resignación' (resignation). It's common to hear it in bars or social gatherings when discussing politics or football teams that never win. In Mexico, 'ser un caso' can sometimes be used on its own to mean someone is 'quite a character' or 'unusual,' but adding 'perdido' makes it strictly negative/hopeless. Argentines might use this phrase with a touch of psychoanalytic irony. It's often used to describe someone's neurosis or repetitive behaviors in a semi-humorous way. In Colombia, the phrase is used frequently in family settings. It's a common 'reproche' (reproach) from parents to children, often delivered with a tone of 'I've given up on you' (in a lighthearted or serious way).

💡

Use it for humor

Don't be afraid to use this about yourself when you make a silly mistake. It makes you sound more native and humble.

⚠️

Careful with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'

Using 'estar' with this phrase is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner. Always stick to 'ser'.

意思

To be beyond help or improvement.

💡

Use it for humor

Don't be afraid to use this about yourself when you make a silly mistake. It makes you sound more native and humble.

⚠️

Careful with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'

Using 'estar' with this phrase is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner. Always stick to 'ser'.

🎯

The 'Total' Add-on

Adding 'total' at the end (Es un caso perdido total) adds a lot of emphasis and is very common in spoken Spanish.

自我测试

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'ser'.

Mi viejo ordenador ________ un caso perdido; ya no enciende.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: es

We use 'es' (ser) because 'un caso perdido' describes a permanent state or characteristic.

Which sentence is grammatically correct when talking about a woman named Maria?

Select the correct option:

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Maria es un caso perdido.

The phrase 'un caso perdido' is fixed as masculine because 'caso' is masculine. It does not change for the subject's gender.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.

Pedro: '¿Crees que si estudio toda la noche aprobaré el examen?' Juan: 'Sinceramente, no sabes nada de la materia. ________.'

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Eres un caso perdido

Juan is telling Pedro that *he* (Pedro) is the hopeless one in this context.

Match the situation to the phrase.

Your friend keeps dating people who treat them badly and never learns.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: All of the above.

In this context, all three expressions are common and appropriate synonyms.

🎉 得分: /4

视觉学习工具

Ser vs Estar with 'Perdido'

Ser un caso perdido
Character trait Hopeless person
Estar perdido
Temporary state Physically lost

练习题库

4 练习
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'ser'. Fill Blank A2

Mi viejo ordenador ________ un caso perdido; ya no enciende.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: es

We use 'es' (ser) because 'un caso perdido' describes a permanent state or characteristic.

Which sentence is grammatically correct when talking about a woman named Maria? Choose B1

Select the correct option:

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Maria es un caso perdido.

The phrase 'un caso perdido' is fixed as masculine because 'caso' is masculine. It does not change for the subject's gender.

Complete the dialogue with the most natural response. dialogue_completion B2

Pedro: '¿Crees que si estudio toda la noche aprobaré el examen?' Juan: 'Sinceramente, no sabes nada de la materia. ________.'

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Eres un caso perdido

Juan is telling Pedro that *he* (Pedro) is the hopeless one in this context.

Match the situation to the phrase. situation_matching B2

Your friend keeps dating people who treat them badly and never learns.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: All of the above.

In this context, all three expressions are common and appropriate synonyms.

🎉 得分: /4

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, absolutely. The noun 'caso' is masculine, so the phrase remains 'un caso perdido' regardless of the person's gender.

It can be. If said to someone's face seriously, it's quite insulting. If said among friends about a third person or a situation, it's usually just expressive.

'Caso' is usually for individuals or specific situations. 'Causa' is for ideals, movements, or larger goals.

Yes, it's very common for broken electronics, old cars, or ruined clothes.

Yes: 'Son unos casos perdidos'.

99% of the time, yes. However, it can be used affectionately for someone who is 'hopelessly' romantic or 'hopelessly' funny.

Yes, it is universally understood from Spain to Argentina.

Only to describe a past failed project or strategy, never to describe a person or yourself (unless you are being very self-deprecating/funny).

There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but you might say 'tiene mucho futuro' or 'es una apuesta segura'.

Soy un caso perdido cocinando / Soy un caso perdido para la cocina.

相关表达

🔄

No tener remedio

synonym

To have no cure or solution.

🔗

Ser una causa perdida

similar

To be a lost cause (usually an ideal or movement).

🔗

Ser un cero a la izquierda

similar

To be worth nothing / useless.

🔗

Tirar la toalla

builds on

To throw in the towel.

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