Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Lose" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "lose", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
負ける
まける (makeru)
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 負ける and 萎える.
In Japanese, 負ける (まける (makeru)) is typically associated with "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..
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 "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.
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: "彼はいつもテニスの試合で負けてしまう。" (Meaning: "He always loses in tennis matches.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "負ける" fits here because it means "to lose; to be defeated" in the context of: "He always loses in tennis matches.". "萎える" represents "to lose spirit/vigor; to feel discouraged/enervated; to wilt (of plants)".