被害 — meaning in English: damage

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Guess the translation for damage

代表

被害

若者

影

地獄

jigoku

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 被害 when discussing incidents involving harm or damage, such as natural disasters, accidents, or crimes. For instance, you might hear it in news reports about typhoons causing 被害 to homes or in conversations about the 被害 from a car accident.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is '損害' (songai), which also means 'damage' but often refers specifically to financial or material loss. In contrast, 被害 can encompass physical, emotional, and situational harm, making it more versatile in various contexts.

Culture

The term 被害 is composed of two kanji: '被' (hi), meaning 'to receive,' and '害' (gai), meaning 'harm.' This reflects the idea of experiencing harm through an external force. In Japanese culture, discussions about 被害 often invoke a sense of collective responsibility, particularly in the context of natural disasters, where communities come together to support each other.

FAQ

Q.What does 被害 mean in English?

被害 translates to 'damage' or 'harm' in English, often used in contexts relating to negative impacts from events like disasters or accidents.

Q.How do you use 被害 in a sentence?

You can use 被害 in sentences like '台風の被害がひどかった' (The damage from the typhoon was severe), highlighting the impact of an event.

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 被害?

A common mistake is using 被害 when discussing subjective feelings of harm, where words like '痛み' (pain) or '苦しみ' (suffering) might be more appropriate. Remember, 被害 is typically used for external damage.

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