失う

• Reading: うしなう
• Romaji: ushinau
• Kanji breakdown: 失 (shitsu/ushina) — to lose, to miss
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ɕi.na.ɯ/

Meaning

To lose; to be deprived of. Refers to losing something one previously had, whether tangible or abstract.

A Group 1 (godan) verb. Used for losing possessions, abilities, people, or abstract things like hope or confidence. Common in expressions like 意識を失う (to lose consciousness), 信頼を失う (to lose trust), and バランスを失う (to lose balance).

Examples

1. 彼は事故で記憶を失った。 He lost his memory in an accident.
2. 信頼を失うのは簡単だが、取り戻すのは難しい。 Losing trust is easy, but regaining it is hard.
3. 彼女は突然の病気で仕事を失ってしまった。 She ended up losing her job due to a sudden illness.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, news, literature

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From classical Japanese 失ふ (ushinafu). The kanji 失 depicts something slipping from the hand, representing loss.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal