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