失う

ushinau
verbIntermediate
general

To lose something physically or metaphorically, such as an object, opportunity, or ability.

彼は仕事で大切な機会を失った

He lost an important opportunity at work.

彼女は記憶を失った

She lost her memory.

💡

The verb is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Collocations

時間を失うto lose time機会を失うto lose an opportunity信用を失うto lose trust

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

失敗するphrase
to fail
失望するphrase
to be disappointed

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'失う' is often used to express losing something important, whether tangible or intangible.

Gold Rule

Transitive vs. Intransitive

'失う' is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object. For transitive actions, use '失う' with 'を'.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the kanji '失' (to lose) and the verb ending 'う' (intransitive verb form).

📝Usage Notes

The verb is often used in both transitive and intransitive forms, but '失う' is specifically intransitive. For transitive actions, '失う' is often paired with 'を' (object marker).

Word Breakdown

to lose
root
+
intransitive verb ending
suffix
和英辞典