Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Damage" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "damage", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
破損
はそん (hason)
N2 / 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 破損 and 毀損.
In Japanese, 破損 (はそん (hason)) is typically associated with "damage; breakage" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to physical damage to an object, often rendering it unusable or requiring repair. Commonly used for items, goods, or parts of a structure. Can be a noun or a verb.
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 "破損"
配送中に商品が破損してしまった。
The product was damaged during shipping.
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: "配送中に商品が ___ してしまった。" (Meaning: "The product was damaged during shipping.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "破損" fits here because it means "damage; breakage" in the context of: "The product was damaged during shipping.". "毀損" represents "damage, injure (property, reputation)".