忘れる vs 失う

Japanese word comparison

How they differ

失う is not a direct everyday synonym for 忘れる, but it overlaps when the idea is that something is gone from memory or no longer retained. Unlike 忘れる, it usually emphasizes losing something tangible, an opportunity, or an abstract quality rather than simply failing to remember.

When to use each

When to use 忘れる: Use 忘れる when the main point is that you cannot remember something.

When to use 失う: Use 失う when the focus is on losing something valuable, including chances, trust, or a function, rather than on memory itself.

Side-by-side examples

1. パスワードを忘れた。
   (I forgot the password.)
2. 大切なチャンスを失った。
   (I lost an important opportunity.)

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More 忘れる comparisons

• 忘れる vs 失念する
• 忘れる vs 思い出せない