Japanese word

見失う

Pronunciation

Romajimiushinau

Meaning

  • verblose sight of

Example

人混みで友達を見失います。hito go mi de tomo dachi o mi ushina i ma su

I lose sight of my friend in a crowd.

Illustration for 見失う (lose sight of)

More examples

窓から目を離したすきに、飛んでいた鳥を見失いました。mado ka ra me o hana shi ta su ki ni to n de i ta tori o mi ushina i ma shi ta

When I looked away from the window, I lost sight of the bird that was flying.

Core concept

Describes losing visual contact with someone or something and therefore no longer knowing where it is.

Common phrases

  • 姿を見失うsugata o mi ushina u

    lose sight of someone

  • 行方を見失うyukue o mi ushina u

    lose track of someone

  • 相手を見失うai te o mi ushina u

    lose sight of someone

Similar words

見逃すminogasu: To fail to notice a person or thing or fail to see an event as it happens.
失うushinau: To no longer possess or have access to a person or thing for any reason.

Definition in Japanese

目で追っていた人や物が見えなくなり、その所在を確かめられなくなること。me de o tte i ta hito ya mono ga mi e na ku na ri so no sho zai o tashi ka me ra re na ku na ru ko to

Word origin

見失う (miushinau) combines the native verbs 見る (miru, "to see") and 失う (ushinau, "to lose"), so its meaning joins seeing with losing track.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 自分を見失う (jibun o miushinau) describes losing a stable sense of identity, especially after a major change or prolonged pressure.

Other meanings

  • lose track ofverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word