Translation and Meaning of: 迷子 - maigo

The Japanese word 「迷子」 (maigo) refers to a common situation: being lost, especially in relation to children who get separated from their guardians. The etymology of the word is quite literal and enlightening, composed of the kanji 「迷」, which means "confused" or "lost", and 「子」, which generally means "child" or "son". This composition makes the meaning of the expression clear, referring to a child who has lost their way.

Examining the kanji that form 「迷子」 in detail gives us a deeper understanding. The kanji 「迷」 (mei) incorporates the idea of confusion or being in a state of uncertainty. It is often used in contexts where there is disorientation, which makes sense when we think of someone who has lost their way. Meanwhile, the kanji 「子」 (ko) is commonly associated with children or offspring, but it can also be used to indicate a small being, as in certain words for young animals.

The word 「迷子」 is not limited to use only for children. In broader contexts, it can be applied to pets that have left their owners or even objects that have been lost. However, cultural convention often associates the expression with the search for lost children in public places, such as shopping malls or festivals. This specific connotation reflects the social and community concern in ensuring the safety of the younger ones. Thus, while a child is a 「迷子」, the same concern is translated to other similar situations, acting as a call to action to help in the search and reunification.

In everyday life, the application of the word encourages preventive measures in situations that involve crowds, such as the use of identification tags for children. The term also reminds us of the importance of attention and supervision to prevent situations of loss. Even in a broader context, its presence in the Japanese language underscores the importance of protecting and caring for the vulnerable in circumstances of confusion or loss.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 迷い子 (maigo) - lost child
• 迷える子 (maioru ko) - lost child
• 迷子の子供 (maigo no kodomo) - lost child (literally "child of the lost")
• 迷子になった子供 (maigo ni natta kodomo) - lost child

迷子

Romaji: maigo
Kana: まいご
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: child (lost) child

Meaning in English: lost (stray) child

Definition: Be separated from parents and disappear.

Example Sentences - (迷子) maigo

See below some example sentences:

迷子にならないように気をつけてください。

Meigo ni naranai you ni ki wo tsukete kudasai

Please be careful not to get lost.

Be careful not to get lost.

• 迷子 (meigo) - lost
• に (ni) - particle indicating destination or location
• ならない (naranai) - negation of the verb "naru" which means "to become"
• ように (youni) - expression that indicates purpose or goal
• 気をつけて (kiwotsukete) - expression that means "care" or "pay attention"
• ください (kudasai) - verb that means "please"