敗北

• Reading: はいぼく
• Romaji: haiboku
• Kanji breakdown: 敗 (hai) — lose, be defeated; 北 (boku) — flee, turn back (archaic meaning)
• Pronunciation: /hai.bo.kɯ/

Meaning

Defeat; a loss in a battle, competition, or struggle.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (敗北する, to be defeated). More literary and dramatic than 負け (loss). Used in military, political, and sports contexts. Often appears in formal writing, news, and historical narratives. Carries a weight of finality and gravity.

Examples

1. チームは三連敗で敗北を喫した。 The team suffered a defeat after three consecutive losses.
2. 選挙での敗北を受けて党首が辞任した。 The party leader resigned following the defeat in the election.
3. 敗北から多くのことを学ぶことができる。 There is much we can learn from defeat.

Usage Guide

Context: military, politics, sports, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 敗 (hai, to lose/be defeated) + 北 (boku, to flee/turn one's back). Originally 北 meant 'to turn one's back and flee,' referring to soldiers running from battle, evolving to signify defeat.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated