Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Lose" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "lose", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
失くす
なくす (nakusu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
萎える
なえる (naeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "lose" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 失くす and 萎える.
In Japanese, 失くす (なくす (nakusu)) is typically associated with "to lose (something)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A transitive verb meaning to unintentionally lose something.
On the other hand, 萎える (なえる (naeru)) maps to "to lose spirit/vigor; to feel discouraged/enervated; to wilt (of plants)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents This verb describes a state of losing strength, energy, or motivation, often due to disappointment, fatigue, or despair. It can refer to a person's spirit/willpower or a plant physically wilting. 「意欲が萎える」「気力が萎える」「花が萎える」のように使われます。. A literal translation of "lose" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "失くす"
鍵を失くしてしまいました。
I lost my key.
Bilingual Context for "萎える"
彼のやる気のなさそうな顔を見て、私まで気が萎えてしまった。
Seeing his unmotivated face, even my own spirit withered.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "鍵を失くしてしまいました。" (Meaning: "I lost my key.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "失くす" fits here because it means "to lose (something)" in the context of: "I lost my key.". "萎える" represents "to lose spirit/vigor; to feel discouraged/enervated; to wilt (of plants)".