Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of 'becoming lost' in Japanese, including getting physically lost, losing one's way in life, and things getting lost or disappearing.
Expressing that you or someone else has lost their way while traveling or walking.
The most common and natural way to say 'get lost' in the sense of losing one's way. Literally 'get lost on the road'.
山の中で道に迷ってしまった。
I got lost in the mountains.
Excuse me, I seem to have gotten lost...
Specifically means 'become a lost child' or 'get separated from one's group'. Often used for children, but can be used for adults in crowded places.
駅で迷子になってしまいました。
I got lost at the station (and couldn't find my group).
迷子にならないように手をつないでね。
Hold my hand so you don't get lost.
The verb 'to get lost' or 'to lose one's way'. Can be used alone, but often combined with 道に.
ちょっと迷ってしまいました。
I got a little lost.
Expressing that someone is lost in a metaphorical sense, such as not knowing what to do in life or being unable to decide.
Literally 'lost in life'. Used when someone is unsure about their life direction or purpose.
将来のことで人生に迷っている。
I'm lost in life regarding my future.
Literally 'lose sight of the path'. Can be used both literally and metaphorically for losing one's way in life.
彼は自分の進むべき道を見失ってしまった。
He lost sight of the path he should take.
Also means 'to be indecisive' or 'to waver'. Can be used for everyday decisions.
Expressing that an object or information becomes lost, missing, or disappears.
The most common verb for 'to be lost' or 'to go missing' for objects. Intransitive.
財布がなくなった。
My wallet got lost.
大切な書類がなくなってしまった。
Important documents have gone missing.
Passive form of 失う (to lose). More formal/literary, often used for abstract things like trust or tradition.
伝統が失われつつある。
Traditions are becoming lost.
Used for people or things that have gone missing and their whereabouts are unknown. Often used in news reports.
登山者が行方不明になった。
A hiker has gone missing.
I'm lost about which university to go to.