亡くす

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 亡くす, read as なくす. It is a transitive verb meaning to lose a family member or another close person through death, with the bereaved person as subject.
• Basic usage: Losing one’s father appears in 父を亡くす, while modifying an old person bereaved of a partner appears in 伴侶を亡くした老人.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 失う
  • This verb is restricted to losing a person through death, whereas the comparison verb can cover possessions, opportunities, abilities, and more.