Japanese word

負ける

Pronunciation

Romajimakeru

Meaning

  • verblose

Example

弟は私に負けます。otōto wa watashi ni ma ke ma su

My younger brother loses to me.

Illustration for 負ける (lose)

More examples

じゃんけんで負けます。ja n ke n de ma ke ma su

I lose at rock-paper-scissors.

次の試合では負けません。tsugi no shi ai de wa ma ke ma se n

I will not lose the next match.

Core concept

Describes failing to win against an opponent, team, or challenge and ending in the weaker position.

Common phrases

  • 相手に負けるai te ni ma ke ru

    lose to an opponent

  • 勝負に負けるshō bu ni ma ke ru

    lose a contest

  • 試合に負けるshi ai ni ma ke ru

    lose a match

Similar words

敗れるyabureru: To be defeated in a contest, struggle, or attempt.

Definition in Japanese

勝負や競争で相手に勝てず、敗れる。shō bu ya kyō sō de ai te ni ka te zu yabu re ru

Word origin

The native verb 負ける (makeru) traces back to classical 負く (maku), meaning "to lose or be defeated," through the older form 負くる (makuru).

Usage tips

  • The pattern Aに負ける (A ni makeru) places the winner after に (ni), as in 私に負ける (watashi ni makeru), meaning "lose to me."

Opposites

Related words

  • 負けmakelossnoun
  • 負け方makekataway of losingnoun

Word lists with this word