Translation and Meaning of: 無くす - nakusu

The Japanese word 無くす (なくす) is a common verb in everyday life, but it can cause confusion for Japanese learners. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical usage, and some curiosities about how this word is perceived in the Japanese language. If you have ever wondered how to say "to lose something" in Japanese or how to use 無くす correctly in a sentence, this guide will help you.

In addition to understanding the literal translation, it is important to know the context in which this word appears and how it differs from similar terms. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and straightforward explanations for those learning Japanese, so let’s simplify everything about 無くす.

Meaning and usage of 無くす

無くす (なくす) means "to lose" in the sense of letting something disappear or being unable to find it anymore. Unlike 失う (うしなう), which carries a more dramatic tone (like losing a loved one), 無くす is used for everyday objects. For example, if you lost your keys, you would say 鍵を無くした (かぎをなくした).

This verb can also express the idea of "getting rid of something" or "eliminating." A boss might say 問題を無くそう (もんだいをなくそう) – "let's eliminate the problems." This flexibility makes 無くす a versatile word, appearing in both informal conversations and more serious contexts.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 無 (む・な) means "nothing" or "absence," while くす is the okurigana part that completes the verb conjugation. The combination reinforces the idea of something becoming absent. Interestingly, 無くす can also be written only in hiragana (なくす), especially in informal texts or when the writer is unsure of the kanji.

It is worth noting that 無い (ない) is the adjective that means "to not exist," showing how the root 無 is linked to concepts of non-existence. This connection helps understand why 無くす is used for situations where something is no longer present, whether because it was lost or intentionally removed.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

A simple way to remember 無くす is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of phrases like 財布を無くした (さいふをなくした) – "I lost my wallet". This type of example helps to fix the verb in the active vocabulary. Another tip is to practice with antonyms like 見つける (みつける – to find) to create useful contrasts in learning.

In casual speech, Japanese people often shorten 無くす to なくしちゃう in informal situations. This contracted form is common among friends and family. If you watch anime or dramas, you have probably heard variations like this. Paying attention to these details makes everyday Japanese more accessible.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 無くす

• 無くします - Polite polite form
• 無くして conditional form
• 無くしない - negative form
• 無くせる - potential form

Synonyms and similar words

• 失くす (nakusu) - To lose, to make disappear; usually refers to objects that have been lost.
• なくす (nakusu) - Remove, eliminate; it can refer to situations or feelings, or the idea of no longer possessing something.

無くす

Romaji: nakusu
Kana: なくす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: miss something; to get rid of

Meaning in English: to lose something;to get rid of

Definition: You stop having things.

Example Sentences - (無くす) nakusu

See below some example sentences:

私はよく物を無くす。

Watashi wa yoku mono o nakusu

I usually lose things often.

I often lose things.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• よく (yoku) - adverb that means "frequently" or "well"
• 物 (mono) - noun meaning "thing" or "object"
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 無くす (nakusu) - verb that means "to lose" or "to misplace"