Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Damage" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "damage", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
損害
そんがい (songai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
毀損
きそん (kison)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "damage" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 損害 and 毀損.
In Japanese, 損害 (そんがい (songai)) is typically associated with "damage, injury, loss" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to physical damage, financial loss, or harm caused to something or someone. Often used in legal or business contexts. 物理的、金銭的な被害や損失を指す。.
On the other hand, 毀損 (きそん (kison)) maps to "damage, injure (property, reputation)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used in formal or legal contexts, especially when referring to damage to property, reputation, or honor. Implies deliberate or severe harm.. A literal translation of "damage" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "損害"
地震で建物に大きな損害が出た。
The earthquake caused great damage to the building.
Bilingual Context for "毀損"
彼は会社の財産を毀損したとして告発された。
He was accused of damaging company property.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "地震で建物に大きな ＿＿＿ が出た。" (Meaning: "The earthquake caused great damage to the building.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "損害" fits here because it means "damage, injury, loss" in the context of: "The earthquake caused great damage to the building.". "毀損" represents "damage, injure (property, reputation)".