Japanese word

被害

Pronunciation

Romajihigai

Meaning

  • noundamage

Example

台風で大きな被害が出ました。tai fū de ō ki na hi gai ga de ma shi ta

The typhoon caused major damage.

Illustration for 被害 (damage)

More examples

学校は地震の被害を市に報告しました。gak kō wa ji shin no hi gai o shi ni hō koku shi ma shi ta

The school reported the earthquake damage to the city.

Core concept

Describes the negative effects that an event or action leaves on a person, object, or community.

Common phrases

  • 被害を調べるhi gai o shira be ru

    inspect the damage

  • 被害を報告するhi gai o hō koku su ru

    report the damage

  • 被害を受けるhi gai o u ke ru

    suffer damage

Similar words

損害songai: Loss or damage, especially to property or finances, that can be measured or claimed for compensation.
損傷sonshō: Damage to an object that affects its condition or ability to work.

Definition in Japanese

人や物などが受ける損傷や悪影響。hito ya mono na do ga u ke ru son shō ya aku ei kyō

Word origin

The noun 被害 (higai) combines 被 (hi, "to undergo") and 害 (gai, "harm"), expressing harm that is suffered.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 被害に遭う (higai ni au) is common in reports about accidents and disasters and means that someone experiences harm.

Other meanings

  • harmnoun
  • injurynoun

Related words

Word lists with this word