What is the difference between "なくす" and "失くす"?

"なくす" means "to lose (something)" (N4), whereas "失くす" represents "to lose (something)" (N4).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "なくす (nakusu)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

なくす (nakusu)

N4 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

なくす (nakusu)

N4 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "なくす (nakusu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

なくす (Level: N4): Translates to "to lose (something)" and is used when Transitive verb. Refers to misplacing an item, making it no longer available to oneself. （物を）見つけられなくする。.
失くす (Level: N4): Maps to "to lose (something)" and carries the nuance of A transitive verb meaning to unintentionally lose something.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "なくす"

財布をなくしてしまいました。

I lost my wallet.

Bilingual Context for "失くす"

鍵を失くしてしまいました。

I lost my key.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "財布をなくしてしまいました。" (Meaning: "I lost my wallet.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "なくす" is used for "to lose (something)" in the context: "I lost my wallet.".