synonym Comparative
負ける
VS
くじける
Differences Between "負ける" and "くじける"
Option A
負ける
Meaning
to lose (a game, a fight); to be defeated
Reading
まける (makeru)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼はテニスの試合で負けてしまった。
He lost the tennis match.
Option B
くじける
Meaning
to be discouraged; to lose heart; to be disheartened; to be crushed
Reading
くじける (kujikeru)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
何度失敗しても、彼は決して夢を諦めず、くじけなかった。
No matter how many times he failed, he never gave up on his dream and never lost heart.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to lose (a game, a fight); to be defeated)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 負ける: The opposite of 勝つ (katsu - to win). Often used in competitive contexts like sports, games, or arguments. Can also mean 'to be overwhelmed by' or 'to give in to'.
- くじける: Refers to losing one's motivation or spirit due to difficulty, failure, or exhaustion. Often used in negative forms (くじけない) to express resilience. (意気消沈する)
- 負ける: The opposite of 勝つ (katsu - to win). Often used in competitive contexts like sports, games, or arguments. Can also mean 'to be overwhelmed by' or 'to give in to'.
- くじける: Refers to losing one's motivation or spirit due to difficulty, failure, or exhaustion. Often used in negative forms (くじけない) to express resilience. (意気消沈する)
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