Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Forget" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "forget", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
忘れる
わすれる (wasureru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
忘れます
わすれます (wasuremasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "forget" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 忘れる and 忘れます.
In Japanese, 忘れる (わすれる (wasureru)) is typically associated with "to forget" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. Requires an object. Used for forgetting things, appointments, or how to do something..
On the other hand, 忘れます (わすれます (wasuremasu)) maps to "to forget" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 記憶から失われたり、持っていくべきものを置き忘れたりする際に使います。忘れる対象は「を」で示されます。/ Used when something is lost from memory or when one leaves behind something they should have brought. The forgotten object is marked with 'を'.. A literal translation of "forget" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "忘れる"
宿題を忘れてしまいました。
I forgot my homework.
Bilingual Context for "忘れます"
財布を家に忘れました。
I forgot my wallet at home.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "宿題を忘れてしまいました。" (Meaning: "I forgot my homework.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "忘れる" fits here because it means "to forget" in the context of: "I forgot my homework.". "忘れます" represents "to forget".