迷子

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 迷子 is read as まいご and is a noun for a lost child or person who cannot find their way or has become separated from a guardian or group.
• Basic usage: Taking someone into care appears in 迷子を保護する, while becoming lost appears in 迷子になる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Person and state
  • 迷子 denotes the lost person, and combining it with になる describes entering that state.
• Difference from 道に迷う
  • 道に迷う says that someone cannot find the route; 迷子 focuses on the child or person who is lost or separated from companions.