失踪

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: In 失踪 (しっそう), loss 失 and trace 踪 combine to denote disappearance.
• Basic usage: 失踪 means that a person has vanished and their whereabouts are unknown.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Disappearance without a known whereabouts
  • 失踪した states the disappearance but does not establish death or a voluntary flight.