迷子
maigo
In Japanese, "lost" is translated as 迷子 (maigo), which refers to being unable to find one's way.
The term 迷子 is used to describe a person who is unable to find their way. If you want to inform someone that you got lost, you can say 迷子になったんだ. If you are describing a state of being lost or confused that conveys a sense of helplessness, you might use 途方に暮れる.
Meaning: unable to find one's way (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 迷子 is composed of the kanji for 'lost/stray' (迷) and 'child' (子), literally meaning 'lost child'.
Which one should you use?
While 迷子 is often used for children or people physically lost in a crowd, the phrase 道に迷う is the more common way to say you have lost your way or direction while traveling.
How do you pronounce it?
maigo
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a lost object rather than a person, you should never use 迷子, as that term is strictly reserved for living beings.
- The kanji 迷 is also used in the word 迷信, meaning 'superstition', suggesting a mind that has lost its way or been led astray.
- The word 迷う is not only for directions but is the standard verb used when you are 'lost' in indecision between two choices.
Examples in context
- 簡単に迷子になる。It's easy to get lost.This example shows the general expression for it being easy to get lost.Tatoeba #7465286 by Ninja, translation #7464469 by CK
- 迷子になっちゃうぞ。You'll get lost.This example uses a casual way to say you will get lost.Tatoeba #9776584 by small_snow, translation #323487 by CK
- トムが迷子になったの？Is Tom lost?This example is used to ask if someone is lost.Tatoeba #8697010 by bunbuku, translation #2244619 by CK
- すみません、迷子になってしまいました。助けていただけますか？Excuse me, I got lost. Could you please help me?
- 昨日、迷っちゃったんだよ！何時間もかかっちゃった。I got lost yesterday! It took me hours.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are at a crowded shopping mall.
- 美咲 Misaki健太くん、迷子にならないでね。Kenta-kun, maigo ni naranaide ne.Kenta, please don't get lost.
- 健太 Kenta大丈夫だよ。しっかりついていくよ。Daijōbu da yo. Shikkari tsuite iku yo.I'll be fine. I'll stay close to you.
- 美咲 Misakiあ、あの子、迷子みたいだよ。A, ano ko, maigo mitai da yo.Oh, that child looks like they are lost.
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。店員さんに知らせよう。Hontō da. Ten'in-san ni shiraseyō.You're right. Let's let a staff member know.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
