Translation guide
The English word 'missing' can refer to a person or thing that is lost, absent, or unaccounted for, or to something that is lacking or not present. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these situations.
Describing a person, animal, or object that cannot be found or whose whereabouts are unknown.
The standard term for a missing person or thing, used in formal and news contexts. Literally 'whereabouts unknown'.
He has been missing since last week.
They are searching for the missing hiker.
The simplest and most natural way to say someone is not here or is missing in everyday conversation. Use with context.
Tanaka is missing. I wonder where he went.
The cat is missing. I'll go look for it.
Means 'cannot be found', often used for lost items or when someone is unaccounted for.
My wallet is missing.
The child is still missing.
Refers to a person disappearing or running away, often implying intentional disappearance. Used in legal or serious contexts.
His disappearance is shrouded in mystery.
Describing a component, quality, or element that is not present when it should be.
Means 'insufficient' or 'lacking'. Used for missing quantities, qualities, or necessary things.
The explanation is missing something.
Means 'is missing' or 'lacking' in the sense of an essential part being absent. Often used for abstract qualities or components.
His story is missing persuasiveness.
Means 'omitted' or 'missing' as in something left out, like a step or an item in a list.
My name is missing from the list.
The basic negative form meaning 'there is no ~'. Very common and direct.
Expressing that you miss a person, place, or thing emotionally.
Used to say you miss someone or something dearly. Often used for people, places, or food.
I miss my family.
I miss Japanese food.
Expresses loneliness because someone is not there. More emotional than 恋しい.
I miss you (and feel lonely).
Literally 'I want to see/meet you', but often used to mean 'I miss you'.
I miss you (and want to see you soon).
The English loanword ミッシング is not commonly used in Japanese. Use the native expressions above instead.
足りない is for insufficient quantity or degree. 欠けている is for a missing essential element or quality. 抜けている is for something omitted or left out from a sequence or list.
We're missing some ingredients, so I'll go buy them.
This document is missing a signature.
One step is missing from the procedure.
Batteries are missing from this set.
The necessary information is missing.