Translation guide
The English word "lost" covers several distinct situations: being physically lost, losing an item, losing a game or competition, and more abstract senses like being absorbed in thought. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Expressing that you don't know where you are or how to get to your destination.
Used for a person (especially a child) who is lost or separated from their group. Can also be used for adults in a self-deprecating way.
I got lost.
A lost child is crying.
Literally 'to lose the road'. The most common way to say you are lost or have lost your way.
Excuse me, I've gotten lost.
Be careful not to get lost in the mountains.
A general verb meaning 'to be lost' or 'to be unable to decide'. When used for location, it implies being lost or unsure of the way.
I got lost inside the station.
Describing an object that is missing or cannot be located.
Transitive verb meaning 'to lose something'. Use this when you have lost an item.
I lost my wallet.
I've lost my keys.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be lost' or 'to go missing'. Focuses on the item's disappearance.
Formal noun meaning 'loss' or 'missing'. Often used in official contexts like reporting a lost item.
Expressing that you lost a match, game, or contest.
Describing a state of being so engrossed in something that you lose awareness of your surroundings.
Literally 'while thinking about things'. Often used to explain why you didn't notice something or got lost in thought.
I was lost in thought and missed my train stop.
To be absorbed or immersed in something. Often used for hobbies or work.
He is lost in a book.
To be crazy about or completely absorbed in something. Slightly more emotional than 没頭する.
Describing something that has disappeared, been destroyed, or is no longer accessible.
Expressing that you don't understand something or are mentally lost.
なくす is transitive (someone loses something), while なくなる is intransitive (something is lost/goes missing). Use なくす when you are the one who lost it, and なくなる when the item simply disappeared.
I lost my wallet.
My wallet is lost.
迷子 (maigo) is only for lost people, especially children. Do not use it for lost items. For items, use なくす or なくなる.
財布がなくなった。
My wallet is lost/gone.
パスポートを紛失した場合は、すぐに届け出てください。
If you lose your passport, please report it immediately.
チームは敗北を認めた。
The team admitted defeat.
I got lost in the game and lost track of time.
Don't lose hope.
貯金がなくなった。
My savings are gone (lost).