Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Loss" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "loss", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
損
そん (son)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
損失
そんしつ (sonshitsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "loss" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 損 and 損失.
In Japanese, 損 (そん (son)) is typically associated with "loss, disadvantage" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A noun.
On the other hand, 損失 (そんしつ (sonshitsu)) maps to "loss (financial, material, or general)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a financial or material loss, or a general disadvantage. Often used in business or economic contexts. The verb form is 損失する. A literal translation of "loss" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "損"
この取引は損になるかもしれない。
This deal might result in a loss.
Bilingual Context for "損失"
その投資で大きな損失を出しました。
I incurred a large loss with that investment.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この取引は ＿＿＿ になるかもしれない。" (Meaning: "This deal might result in a loss.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "損" fits here because it means "loss, disadvantage" in the context of: "This deal might result in a loss.". "損失" represents "loss (financial, material, or general)".