Translation guide
The concept of losing, failing, or being defeated in various contexts, from games to life situations.
To be defeated in a contest, sport, or game.
The most common and general verb for losing a game, match, or competition.
We lost yesterday's game.
I lost at rock-paper-scissors.
A more formal or written term for being defeated, often used in sports news.
They were defeated by a strong team.
Noun form meaning 'loss' or 'defeat', often used in compound words.
We've been racking up losses today.
To misplace something or no longer have someone with you.
To lose something abstract or important, like trust, a job, or a loved one. Also used for losing physical objects in a more formal sense.
The most common verb for losing a physical object or misplacing something.
To drop and lose something, often accidentally. Implies the object fell.
To reduce body weight.
Intransitive phrase meaning 'weight decreases'. Natural way to say you lost weight without specifying effort.
I've lost weight recently.
Verb meaning 'to lose weight' or 'become thin'. Can be used for intentional or unintentional weight loss.
Formal term for weight reduction, often used in medical or sports contexts.
The doctor advised me to lose weight.
To become lost or unable to find the way.
To become angry or lose control of emotions.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'become unable to control anger'.
He lost his temper.
Slang for snapping or losing one's temper suddenly.
Formal expression for losing one's cool or composure.
He lost his composure.
To suffer a financial deficit or loss.
To miss out on an opportunity.
To faint or lose awareness.
Use なくす for losing concrete objects (keys, wallet). Use 失う for abstract things (trust, hope, job) or when the loss is profound. 失う can also be used for objects in formal contexts, but なくす is more natural in daily speech.
English 'lose' covers many meanings that require different Japanese verbs. Avoid using 負ける for losing objects or なくす for losing a game. Always match the verb to the context.
He lost his job.
I lost my wallet.
I've lost my keys.
I dropped and lost my commuter pass at the station.
She lost a lot of weight.
I'm exercising to lose weight.
That person loses it easily, huh.
The company is losing money.
I passed out from the heat.