Japanese word

忘れる

Pronunciation

Romajiwasureru

Meaning

  • verbforget

Example

宿題を忘れます。shuku dai o wasu re ma su

I forget my homework.

Illustration for 忘れる (forget)

More examples

新しい言葉を忘れます。atara shi i koto ba o wasu re ma su

I forget a new word.

大事な書類を忘れてきました。dai ji na sho rui o wasu re te ki ma shi ta

I left an important document behind.

Core concept

It describes losing a memory, intention, or awareness, and can also cover failing to take an item along.

Common phrases

  • 電話番号を忘れるden wa ban gō o wasu re ru

    forget a phone number

  • 忘れないでwasu re na i de

    do not forget

  • 忘れずにwasu re zu ni

    without forgetting

Similar words

置き忘れるokiwasureru: To leave an item behind by forgetting to take it.

Definition in Japanese

覚えていたことや気に留めていたことを思い出せなくなったり、持って行くべき物を置いたままにしたりする。obo e te i ta ko to ya ki ni to me te i ta ko to o omo i da se na ku na tta ri mo tte i ku be ki mono o o i ta ma ma ni shi ta ri su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 忘れる (wasureru, "to forget") is the modern form of the older verb 忘る (wasuru, "to forget").

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 忘れる (wasureru) can mean both failing to remember and leaving an object behind, so context often determines whether English uses forget or leave behind.

Other meanings

  • leave behindverb
  • forget aboutverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word