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.
I forgot his name.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Forget about the mistake. / Don't worry about the mistake.
Failing to perform an intended action.
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).
I left my passport behind at the airport.
I forgot to submit the documents.