Japanese word

失う

Pronunciation

Romajiushinau

Meaning

  • verblose

Example

私は財布を失いました。watashi wa sai fu o ushina i ma shi ta

I lost my wallet.

Illustration for 失う (lose)

More examples

何度も失敗すると、自信を失うことがあります。nan do mo ship pai su ru to ji shin o ushina u ko to ga a ri ma su

After repeated failures, you may lose confidence.

Core concept

It refers to the absence of something that was previously possessed, preserved, or under one's control.

Common phrases

  • 信頼を失うshin rai o ushina u

    lose trust

  • 機会を失うki kai o ushina u

    lose a chance

  • 自信を失うji shin o ushina u

    lose confidence

Similar words

なくすnakusu: To no longer have something because it has been misplaced or lost, often in an everyday situation.

Definition in Japanese

持っていた物や保っていた状態をなくす。mo tte i ta mono ya tamo tte i ta jō tai o na ku su

Word origin

失う (ushinau, "to lose") has long been used as a native Japanese verb, with the older form うしなふ (ushinau, "to lose") corresponding to the modern form 失う.

Usage tips

  • 失う (ushinau) is often more formal and serious than なくす (nakusu, "to misplace or lose"), so everyday speakers commonly use なくす for a lost wallet.

Opposites

Word lists with this word