Meaning
错过 means to miss something that was available or happening—an opportunity, a deadline, a bus, a meeting, or even a person you were hoping to see. It carries a sense of regret or unfortunate timing, implying that something desirable was within reach but you failed to catch it. The word combines 错 (wrong, mistake) and 过 (to pass), literally suggesting 'to wrongly pass by' something.
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 错过 when expressing regret about opportunities not taken, appointments not kept, or chances that slipped away. It often appears with time-related objects (错过时间, 错过机会) or transportation (错过火车). The tone is usually tinged with disappointment. It's frequently used in reflective contexts or when giving advice about not letting important things slip by.
Examples
- 01我起晚了，错过了早上的会议。, .I got up late and missed the morning meeting.
- 02这是个好机会，你千万不要错过。, .This is a good opportunity; you absolutely must not miss it.
Characters
Common collocations
- 错过机会to miss an opportunity
- 错过火车to miss the train
- 错过时间to miss the time/deadline
- 不要错过don't miss (out)
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 错 (wrong/mistaken) with 过 (to pass), creating the image of passing by something in the wrong way or at the wrong time, hence 'missing' it.