Traditional: 丟
dīu HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我丢了我的钥匙。
Wǒ diūle wǒ de yàoshi.
I lost my keys.
不要丢垃圾。
Bùyào diū lājī.
Don't throw away trash.
他丢了他的手机。
Tā diūle tā de shǒujī.
He lost his phone.
我丢了一支笔。
Wǒ diū le yī zhī bǐ.
I lost a pen.
他丢了钥匙。
Tā diū le yàoshi.
He lost his keys.

💡 Memory Tip

Imagine tossing something away and saying 'D'oh!' like Homer Simpson—the sound 'diū' rhymes with it, linking to the idea of throwing or losing something carelessly.

📝 Usage Notes

丢 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, in informal to neutral contexts. It is frequently employed in daily life for discarding items (e.g., trash) or describing loss (e.g., losing an object). In formal writing, alternatives like 丢弃 or 扔掉 might be preferred for 'to discard'.

📖 Grammar Points

丢 is a transitive verb used as '丢 + object' (e.g., 丢垃圾). It can be combined with resultative complements like 丢到 (throw to), 丢掉 (throw away), or 丢进 (throw into). In the pattern 把 + object + 丢 + location, it emphasizes disposal (e.g., 把纸丢进垃圾桶).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 丢脸 (diū liǎn, 'to lose face') is a significant concept referring to loss of reputation or dignity, highlighting the social importance of maintaining honor. The word can carry negative connotations when used in phrases like 丢人 (embarrassing).

🔄 Similar Words

丢 is similar to 扔 (rēng), which also means 'to throw,' but 丢 often implies discarding or losing, while 扔 is more neutral for the physical act. 丢失 (diūshī) means 'to lose' more formally, and 抛弃 (pāoqì) means 'to abandon' with stronger emotional weight.

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