Are you learning Japanese and curious about how to say “forget”? Understanding how to express forgetting something can be helpful in everyday conversations. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “forget” in Japanese, its variations, and practical examples to use in real-life situations.
How Do You Say ‘Forget’ in Japanese?
The most common way to say “forget” in Japanese is Wasureru (忘れる), which is a verb. It is used to describe the act of forgetting something, either intentionally or unintentionally.
For example: “Pasokon no pasuwaado wo wasuremashita” (パソコンのパスワードを忘れました) means “I forgot my computer password.”
Variations of ‘Forget’ in Japanese
There are other ways to express the concept of forgetting or not remembering in Japanese. Here are some common variations:
Formal Usage: Shitsunen (失念する)
“Shitsunen” (失念する) is a formal way to say “forget,” often used in professional or written contexts. It implies a sense of responsibility or regret for forgetting something. Example: “Okyakusama no onamae wo shitsunen shimashita” (お客様のお名前を失念しました) means “I forgot the customer’s name.”
Formal Usage: Kioku ni Nai (記憶にない)
“Kioku ni nai” (記憶にない) literally means “I have no memory of it.” It is often used in formal or serious situations, such as when recalling events or information. Example: “Sono koto ni tsuite wa kioku ni arimasen” (そのことについては記憶にありません) means “I have no memory of that.”
Casual Usage: Wasureru (忘れる)
“Wasureru” (忘れる) is the most common and versatile term for “forget.” It can be used in everyday casual conversations. Example: “Keitai wo wasureta” (携帯を忘れた) means “I forgot my phone.”
Casual Usage: Oboetenai (覚えてない)
“Oboetenai” (覚えてない) means “I don’t remember.” It is often used in informal settings to describe a lapse in memory or a failure to recall something. Example: “Sono eiga no koto wa oboetenai” (その映画のことは覚えてない) means “I don’t remember that movie.”
Practical Applications and Usage
Learning how to say “forget” in Japanese can help you navigate everyday situations. Below are practical examples of how to use these expressions:
Apologizing for Forgetting
You can say, “Gomen nasai, wasuremashita” (ごめんなさい、忘れました), meaning “I’m sorry, I forgot.”
Reminding Someone
To remind someone not to forget, you can say, “Wasurezu ni kite kudasai” (忘れずに来てください), meaning “Please don’t forget to come.”
Talking About Forgetfulness
If you want to describe yourself as forgetful, you can say, “Watashi wa yoku mono wo wasuremasu” (私はよく物を忘れます), meaning “I often forget things.”
FAQs
Here are common questions about saying “forget” in Japanese:
What’s the difference between “Wasureru” and “Oboetenai”?
“Wasureru” means “to forget,” while “oboetenai” means “not to remember.” The former is active (forgetting), and the latter is passive (not recalling).
How do you politely remind someone not to forget?
You can say, “Wasurezu ni onegai shimasu” (忘れずにお願いします), meaning “Please don’t forget.”
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “forget” in Japanese and its variations, such as “wasureru,” “shitsunen,” and “kioku ni nai,” can enhance your communication skills. Practice these expressions to handle everyday situations more confidently in Japanese!
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