害

• Reading: がい
• Romaji: gai
• Kanji breakdown: 害 (gai) — harm, damage, injury
• Pronunciation: /ɡa.i/

Meaning

Harm; damage; injury. Negative effects or adverse influence on something.

A noun meaning harm or damage, frequently used in compounds: 被害 (higai, damage/victimization), 害虫 (gaichuu, pest insect), 公害 (kougai, pollution), 災害 (saigai, disaster), 無害 (mugai, harmless). Also used as a suffix: 水害 (suigai, flood damage), 薬害 (yakugai, drug-related harm). Common in news, environmental, and health contexts.

Examples

1. 台風による被害は大きかった。 The damage from the typhoon was extensive.
2. タバコは体に害がある。 Smoking is harmful to your body.
3. 害虫を駆除するために農薬を使った。 Pesticides were used to eliminate the harmful insects.

Usage Guide

Context: health, environment, news

Tone: negative

Origin & History

The kanji 害 combines 宀 (roof) and elements suggesting obstruction or blockage. Originally meant 'to obstruct' in classical Chinese, evolving to mean harm or damage — something that blocks well-being.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal