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
負ける
まける (makeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "lose" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 無くす and 負ける.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "負ける" represents "to lose; to be defeated".