🦅 Project Eagle
synonym Comparative
損なう
VS
痛手

Differences Between "損なう" and "痛手"

Option A
損なう
Meaning
to harm, to damage, to injure, to spoil
Reading
そこなう (sokonau)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
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.
Option B
痛手
Meaning
severe wound, heavy blow, serious damage
Reading
いたで (itade)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
会社の不祥事は、信頼に大きな痛手を与えた。
The company scandal dealt a heavy blow to its trust.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(to harm, to damage, to injure, to spoil)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 損なう: 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.
- 痛手: Can refer to a physical wound, but more commonly used metaphorically for a severe blow or damage to one's reputation, finances, morale, or an organization. It implies significant, often lasting, harm.
🦅

Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?

Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!