Meaning and Usage
The verb 失う (うしなう) means "to lose" or "to part with" something important, whether it is tangible like an object or intangible like confidence or life. It is often used in serious or emotional contexts.
Common Collocations
- 失う + 物 (e.g., 書類を失う): losing physical items.
- 失う + 命 (e.g., 命を失う): losing life, often in tragic contexts.
- 失う + 自信 (e.g., 自信を失う): losing confidence or hope.
Register and Nuance
失う is a neutral to formal verb and is appropriate in both written and spoken Japanese. It often conveys a sense of loss that is significant or impactful.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 失う with 無くす (なくす), which also means "to lose." However, 無くす is more casual and often used for everyday items, while 失う carries a stronger emotional or serious nuance. Use 失う when the loss is important or irreversible.