Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "なくす", "無くす", "失くす", "負ける"
All represent the core concept "lose", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
なくす
なくす (nakusu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
無くす
なくす (nakusu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
失くす
なくす (nakusu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
負ける
まける (makeru)
N4 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "lose" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "なくす", "無くす", "失くす", "負ける" based on context.
- なくす (なくす (nakusu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to lose (something)" and is used when Transitive verb. Refers to misplacing an item, making it no longer available to oneself. （物を）見つけられなくする。.
- 無くす (なくす (nakusu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to lose (something)" and is used when A transitive verb meaning 'to lose something'.
- 失くす (なくす (nakusu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to lose (something)" and is used when A transitive verb meaning to unintentionally lose something.
- 負ける (まける (makeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to lose; to be defeated" and is used when Used when referring to losing in a game, sport, competition, or battle. It can also mean to give in or be outdone..
Context for "なくす"
財布をなくしてしまいました。
I lost my wallet.
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.
Context for "失くす"
鍵を失くしてしまいました。
I lost my key.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "財布をなくしてしまいました。" (Meaning: "I lost my wallet.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "なくす" is correct here because it represents "to lose (something)" in the context: "I lost my wallet.".