Translation guide
The English verb "lose" covers many situations: misplacing objects, being defeated, failing to keep something, and more. Japanese uses different words depending on what is lost and how.
To be unable to find something you had.
The most common and general verb for losing a physical object. Transitive.
I lost my wallet.
I've lost my keys.
More formal/literary. Often used for abstract things or when the loss is permanent. Can sound dramatic for small items.
I lost important documents.
Literally 'drop'. Used when you lose something by dropping it, or for losing data/connection.
I dropped (and lost) my commuter pass at the station.
To not win; to be beaten by an opponent.
To no longer have something you once had (job, money, ability, etc.).
To reduce body weight.
Intransitive; literally 'body weight decreases'. The most natural way to say you lost weight.
I've lost weight recently.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to become thin/slim'. Focuses on the result.
Transitive; literally 'drop body weight'. Often used when making an effort.
I want to lose another 3 kilos.
To not know where you are or which way to go.
To use time unproductively or let it pass without achieving something.
To have someone die.
To become angry or lose composure.
Simply 'get angry'. Not a direct translation of 'lose', but the most natural equivalent.
He loses his temper easily.
Slang for snapping or losing it. Implies sudden, explosive anger.
Literally 'lose calmness'. Formal and descriptive.
He lost his cool.
Both can mean 'lose', but なくす is more common for physical objects and casual abstract loss (やる気をなくす). 失う is more formal and often implies a deeper or permanent loss (信頼を失う). For death of a family member, use 亡くす (also read なくす).
負ける (makeru) only means 'lose' in the sense of being defeated. Saying 財布に負けた would mean 'I lost to my wallet', not 'I lost my wallet'.
I lost my phone.
We lost the game 3-0.
She lost her job.
I lost 5 kg.
I got lost in the city.
チームは決勝で敗れた。
The team lost in the finals.
I lost motivation.
He lost a lot of weight.
戦争で多くの命が失われた。
Many lives were lost in the war.
That person loses it easily.