Translation guide
How to talk about a lost item in Japanese, from reporting it missing to asking if someone has seen it.
You want to say that you have lost something, often to an authority figure or when seeking help.
Polite way to say 'I lost ~'. Use with the particle を.
I lost my wallet.
I lost my passport.
Literally 'I dropped ~', but often used for losing something, especially if you think it fell out of a pocket or bag.
I dropped my ticket at the station.
Means 'I can't find ~'. More indirect and natural when you're not sure if it's lost or just misplaced.
I can't find my keys.
You want to ask people nearby if they have seen your lost item.
Polite way to ask 'Did you see ~?'. Use when asking strangers or staff.
Excuse me, did you see a black umbrella?
Casual way to ask 'Do you know about ~?', implying 'Have you seen ~?'. Use with friends or in informal situations.
Have you seen my phone?
You need to describe the lost item, e.g., to a lost-and-found office.
Noun meaning 'lost property' or 'lost item'. Use when reporting or inquiring about a lost item.
I came to report a lost item.
Specifically an item left behind somewhere, like on a train or in a restaurant. Not necessarily dropped.
Phrases useful at a lost-and-found center.
なくす is the general verb for 'to lose' something. 落とす means 'to drop' and implies the item fell. In many contexts, 落とす is used when you think you dropped it, while なくす is used when you simply can't find it.
If you lose something important, you can file a report at a police box (交番). Say: 落とし物の届けを出したいです (I'd like to file a lost item report).
I lost my wallet.
Did you see a black umbrella?
I left my bag on the train.
Has a lost item been turned in?
I left something on the train.