HSK 6 Special structures (把 · 被 · 是…的 · 让)
不失为 …
May well be regarded as (不失为)
Structure Subject + 不失为 + (一个/一种) + appraising noun
不失为 (bù shī wéi; here 为 is read wéi, "to be, to count as") is an understated positive appraisal: "may well be regarded as", "is still a fair…". 这不失为一个好办法 = "this is, after all, a good way to do it", i.e. not ideal but it counts as good. Literally "does not lose being a…", it grants merit without overstating the praise. It is usually followed by 一个/一种 plus an appraising noun (好办法 good method, 明智的选择 wise choice, 佳作 fine work) and belongs to the cultivated register of essays and reviews.
Examples
- 先试运行一段时间,不失为一个稳妥的办法。
Running it on trial for a while is, after all, a prudent approach.
- 在预算有限的情况下,这不失为明智的选择。
Given a limited budget, this may well be regarded as a sensible choice.
- 这部小说虽不完美,却不失为一部佳作。
Though the novel is not perfect, it is still a fine work.
- 周末去郊外走走,不失为一种放松。
Taking a stroll out of town at the weekend is, after all, a way to unwind.
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