🇯🇵 How to say

“to lose” in Japanese

失ううしなう
Illustration of "to lose" in a Japanese cultural setting
A woman searches her bag frantically at a train station, realizing her wallet is gone. Her expression shows the sudden emptiness of losing something important.

Usage note

失う is used for losing things permanently or seriously—like items, opportunities, or people. It feels heavier than なくす (to misplace), so use it when the loss is significant.

Examples

  • かぎを失いました。

    I lost my keys.

  • 彼は仕事を失った。

    He lost his job.

  • 時間を失いたくない。

    I don't want to lose time.

Quick check

What does "失う" mean?

  • A. to lose
  • B. to start
  • C. to cook
  • D. to laugh

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