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

"無くす" 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.

無くす (Level: N4): Translates to "to lose (something)" and is used when A transitive verb meaning 'to lose something'.
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 "無くす"

大切なパスポートを無くしてしまいました。

I accidentally lost my important passport.

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: "大切なパスポートを無くしてしまいました。" (Meaning: "I accidentally lost my important passport.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "無くす" is used for "to lose (something)" in the context: "I accidentally lost my important passport.".