Translation guide
The English verb "forget" covers a range of situations: failing to remember a fact, leaving something behind, or ceasing to think about something. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions depending on the nuance.
Expressing that you cannot recall information, a past event, or how to do something.
The most common and general verb for 'forget'. Used for facts, memories, appointments, etc.
彼の名前を忘れた。
I forgot his name.
約束を忘れないでください。
Please don't forget the appointment.
Literally 'cannot recall'. Used when you are trying to remember but can't, emphasizing the inability to retrieve the memory.
あの映画のタイトルが思い出せない。
I can't remember the title of that movie.
A colloquial term for a temporary lapse of memory, like 'drawing a blank'. Often used for things you should know.
彼の名前、ど忘れしちゃった。
I've completely blanked on his name.
When you accidentally leave an object somewhere and forget to bring it.
To intentionally or naturally stop worrying about or dwelling on something.
Can also mean to put something out of your mind, often used in commands or advice.
嫌なことは早く忘れよう。
Let's forget about unpleasant things quickly.
Means 'don't worry about it' or 'never mind'. Often used when telling someone to forget a minor issue.
失敗は気にしないで。
Forget about the mistake. / Don't worry about the mistake.
Failing to perform an intended action.
Standard pattern: verb (dictionary form) + のを忘れる. Use こと instead of の in formal/written contexts.
鍵をかけるのを忘れた。
I forgot to lock the door.
メールを送るのを忘れないで。
Don't forget to send the email.
More formal/written version of the above pattern.
書類を提出することを忘れてしまった。
I forgot to submit the documents.
English uses 'forget' for both memory lapses and leaving items. In Japanese, 忘れる covers both, but 置き忘れる is more precise for misplacing objects. Using 忘れる for objects is natural, but if you want to emphasize the act of leaving something, use 置き忘れる.
The noun 忘れ物 (わすれもの) means 'lost property' or 'something left behind'. You can say 忘れ物をした (I left something behind) or 忘れ物を届ける (to turn in a lost item).
空港でパスポートを置き忘れた。
I left my passport behind at the airport.