Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Miss" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "miss", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
乗り遅れる
のりおくれる (noriokureru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見逃す
みのがす (minogasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "miss" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 乗り遅れる and 見逃す.
In Japanese, 乗り遅れる (のりおくれる (noriokureru)) is typically associated with "to miss (a train, bus, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 交通機関（電車、バスなど）の時間に間に合わず、乗るべきものに乗れない状況を表します。.
On the other hand, 見逃す (みのがす (minogasu)) maps to "to miss (an opportunity, a broadcast), to overlook, to let escape" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents チャンスや放送を見られなかったり、犯人などを逃がしてしまったりする意味で使われます。意図せず機会を逃すニュアンスが強いです。. A literal translation of "miss" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "乗り遅れる"
朝寝坊して、会社に行くバスに乗り遅れてしまった。
I overslept and missed the bus to work.
Bilingual Context for "見逃す"
楽しみにしていたテレビ番組を見逃してしまった。
I missed the TV program I was looking forward to.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "朝寝坊して、会社に行くバスに乗り遅れてしまった。" (Meaning: "I overslept and missed the bus to work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "乗り遅れる" fits here because it means "to miss (a train, bus, etc.)" in the context of: "I overslept and missed the bus to work.". "見逃す" represents "to miss (an opportunity, a broadcast), to overlook, to let escape".