迷子（まいご、maigo）
- lost child

The Japanese word 迷子 (まいご) means "a lost child," "a missing child," or "a child who is separated from their parents or guardian." It refers to a child who has become disoriented and cannot find their way back to their caregiver. This term is primarily used for children, although it can occasionally be used more broadly.

⚫︎その公園で迷子を見つけました。 Translation: I found a lost child in that park. ⚫︎デパートで迷子のお知らせがありました。 Translation: There was an announcement about a lost child in the department store. ⚫︎お母さんは迷子になった子供を必死に探していました。 Translation: The mother was desperately looking for her lost child.

This word is commonly used in various situations, such as: ⚫︎In public spaces like parks, shopping malls, train stations, etc. when a child gets separated from their parent or guardian. ⚫︎In announcements made by staff or through loudspeakers to help reunite a lost child with their family. ⚫︎In conversations when discussing situations where children have become separated. The word is typically used when the child is lost in a public place and needs assistance to be reunited with their caregiver.

迷子 is written with the kanji 迷 (meaning "lost" or "confused") and the kanji 子 (meaning "child"). However, when written in hiragana, it is まいご. It is very common to see it written in hiragana, especially in announcements or casual settings. There are no variations in okurigana.

There aren't many direct synonyms for 迷子, as it is a specific term. However, you could describe the situation using phrases like: ⚫︎はぐれた子供 (hagureta kodomo): a child who has wandered away or become separated. ⚫︎行方不明の子供 (yukue fumei no kodomo): a missing child. (more formal)

There is no direct antonym for 迷子. But the opposite of being lost is being found. ⚫︎見つかった子供 (mitsukatta kodomo): a child who has been found. ⚫︎親と一緒の子供 (oya to issho no kodomo): a child with their parents.

あそこで迷子の女の子が泣いています。 ・Translation: A lost girl is crying over there. ・Explanation: This sentence describes a situation where someone has observed a lost child (a girl) who is crying, and it can be used to notify someone of her situation.

もしあなたのお子さんが迷子になったら、すぐに警察に連絡してください。 ・Translation: If your child gets lost, please contact the police immediately. ・Explanation: This sentence gives advice on the appropriate action to take if a child becomes lost. It emphasizes the urgency and importance of contacting the police.

The word 迷子 is a compound word. 迷 (mayo-) comes from the verb 迷う (mayou), which means "to get lost," "to be perplexed," or "to wander." 子 (-ko) is a common suffix meaning "child". Thus, 迷子 literally means "lost child."