잃다 (il-da, ilda) · 잃어버리다 (il-eo-beo-ri-da, ileobeorida)
잃다 typically expresses abstract or result-focused loss, while 잃어버리다 is used for concrete, temporary misplacement situations.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To lose something, either tangible or intangible, typically focusing on the fact of loss.
When to use
losing opportunity, losing money, losing memory
The nuance
Used mainly for abstract or result-focused loss, regardless of whether recovery is possible.
Emphasizes temporarily misplacing something or someone, implying the possibility of recovery.
When to use
losing keys, getting lost, misplacing phone
The nuance
Used for concrete loss of objects or people, with an intention or hope to find again.
기회를 잃었다.
gi-hoe-reul il-eoss-da., gi hoe reul il eoss da.
잃다 fits abstract loss like opportunity naturally.
기회를 잃어버렸다.
gi-hoe-reul il-eo-beo-ryeoss-da., gi hoe reul il eo beo ryeoss da.
Opportunity is abstract, so 잃어버리다 is inappropriate.
나는 돈을 잃었다.
na-neun don-eul il-eoss-da., na neun don eul il eoss da.
잃다 is appropriate for losing assets like money.
나는 돈을 잃어버렸다.
na-neun don-eul il-eo-beo-ryeoss-da., na neun don eul il eo beo ryeoss da.
Money loss is more about loss than misplacement, so 잃다 is correct.
열쇠를 잃어버렸어요.
yeol-soe-reul il-eo-beo-ryeoss-eo-yo., yeol soe reul il eo beo ryeoss eo yo.
잃어버리다 suits concrete object loss like keys.
열쇠를 잃었어요.
yeol-soe-reul il-eoss-eo-yo., yeol soe reul il eoss eo yo.
For losing keys, 잃어버리다 sounds natural, not 잃다.
기억을 잃었다.
gi-eok-eul il-eoss-da., gi eok eul il eoss da.
잃다 fits abstract loss like memory.
기억을 잃어버렸다.
gi-eok-eul il-eo-beo-ryeoss-da., gi eok eul il eo beo ryeoss da.
Memory loss is abstract, so 잃다 is correct, not 잃어버리다.
When should you use '잃어버리다'?
Which word fits '나는 돈을 ___.' correctly?
Which word fits '길을 ___.' appropriately?
