Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Lose" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "lose", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
なくす
なくす (nakusu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
無くす
なくす (nakusu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "lose" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between なくす and 無くす.
In Japanese, なくす (なくす (nakusu)) is typically associated with "to lose (something)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 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。.
On the other hand, 無くす (なくす (nakusu)) maps to "to lose (something)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A transitive verb meaning 'to lose something'. A literal translation of "lose" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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 "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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "財布をなくしてしまいました。" (Meaning: "I lost my wallet.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "なくす" fits here because it means "to lose (something)" in the context of: "I lost my wallet.". "無くす" represents "to lose (something)".