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.
昨日の試合に負けた。
We lost yesterday's game.
じゃんけんで負けた。
I lost at rock-paper-scissors.
A more formal or written term for being defeated, often used in sports news.
強豪チームに敗れた。
They were defeated by a strong team.
Noun form meaning 'loss' or 'defeat', often used in compound words.
今日は負けが込んでいる。
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.
財布をなくした。
I lost my wallet.
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.
最近体重が減った。
I've lost weight recently.
Verb meaning 'to lose weight' or 'become thin'. Can be used for intentional or unintentional weight loss.
彼女はすごく痩せた。
She lost a lot of weight.
痩せるために運動している。
I'm exercising to lose weight.
Formal term for weight reduction, often used in medical or sports contexts.
医者に減量を勧められた。
The doctor advised me to lose weight.
To become lost or unable to find the way.
Standard phrase for getting lost while traveling or walking.
山で道に迷った。
I got lost in the mountains.
Specifically for a child getting lost or separated from parents.
デパートで迷子になった。
I got lost in the department store. (child)
To become angry or lose control of emotions.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'become unable to control anger'.
彼は怒りを抑えられなくなった。
He lost his temper.
Slang for snapping or losing one's temper suddenly.
あの人、すぐキレるよね。
That person loses it easily, huh.
Formal expression for losing one's cool or composure.
彼は冷静さを失った。
He lost his composure.
To suffer a financial deficit or loss.
To miss out on an opportunity.
Standard phrase for missing a chance.
せっかくのチャンスを逃した。
I lost a golden opportunity.
More formal way to say 'lose an opportunity'.
彼は昇進の機会を失った。
He lost the chance for promotion.
To faint or lose awareness.
Standard phrase for losing consciousness.
彼は事故で意識を失った。
He lost consciousness in the accident.
Slightly more casual phrase for fainting or passing out.
暑さで気を失った。
I passed out from the heat.
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.
鍵をなくしてしまった。
I've lost my keys.
I dropped and lost my commuter pass at the station.