Translation guide
The English phrase 'be lost in' can describe being deeply absorbed in an activity or thought, or physically losing one's way inside a place. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both meanings.
To be so deeply engaged in something that you lose awareness of your surroundings.
A common and natural way to say you are absorbed in something, often with a sense of enthusiasm or obsession.
彼はゲームに夢中になっている。
He is lost in the game.
彼女は読書に夢中で、時間を忘れた。
She was so lost in her book that she lost track of time.
To be unable to find your way within a building, forest, city, etc.
The standard way to say you are lost in a place, especially for children or in large public spaces.
デパートで迷子になった。
I got lost in the department store.
Do not directly translate 'be lost in' as 〜に失われる or 〜にロストする. These are unnatural and incorrect. Use the phrases above depending on the intended meaning.
A more formal or literary expression for being deeply immersed in an activity, often used for work or study.
彼は研究に没頭している。
He is lost in his research.
Implies being immersed in an atmosphere, emotion, or experience, like being lost in thought or nostalgia.
彼女は思い出に浸っていた。
She was lost in her memories.
彼は物思いに浸っている。
He is lost in thought.
Literally 'to forget oneself in something', used when someone is so absorbed they lose self-control or awareness. Stronger and more dramatic.
彼は怒りに我を忘れた。
He was lost in anger.
More general for losing your way, often used for streets, forests, or unfamiliar areas.
森の中で道に迷った。
I got lost in the forest.
知らない街で道に迷ってしまった。
I ended up lost in an unfamiliar town.
A shorter, more casual way to say you are lost or wandering in a place.
駅の中で迷っちゃった。
I got lost in the station.