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
負ける
まける (makeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "lose" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 失くす and 負ける.
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, 負ける (まける (makeru)) maps to "to lose; to be defeated" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when referring to losing in a game, sport, competition, or battle. It can also mean to give in or be outdone.. 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 "負ける"
彼はいつもテニスの試合で負けてしまう。
He always loses in tennis matches.
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.". "負ける" represents "to lose; to be defeated".