Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Harm" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "harm", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
害
がい (gai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
損なう
そこなう (sokonau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "harm" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 害 and 損なう.
In Japanese, 害 (がい (gai)) is typically associated with "harm, injury, damage, evil" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to anything that causes a negative effect, damage, or detriment. Can be physical, mental, or environmental..
On the other hand, 損なう (そこなう (sokonau)) maps to "to harm, to damage, to injure, to spoil" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 人や物の状態、価値、名誉などを悪くしたり、傷つけたりする他動詞です。健康を害する意味でも使われます。/ A transitive verb meaning to worsen or damage the condition, value, or reputation of a person or thing. Also used for harming health.. A literal translation of "harm" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "害"
喫煙は健康に害がある。
Smoking is harmful to health.
Bilingual Context for "損なう"
無理なダイエットで健康を損なってしまった。
I harmed my health with an unreasonable diet.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "喫煙は健康に ＿＿＿ がある。" (Meaning: "Smoking is harmful to health.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "害" fits here because it means "harm, injury, damage, evil" in the context of: "Smoking is harmful to health.". "損なう" represents "to harm, to damage, to injure, to spoil".