被害

• Reading: ひがい
• Romaji: higai
• Kanji breakdown: 被 (hi) — to suffer, to receive; 害 (gai) — harm, damage, injury
• Pronunciation: /çi.ɡai/

Meaning

Damage; harm; injury. Refers to suffering or loss caused by a disaster, crime, or other harmful event.

A noun commonly used in news, legal, and disaster-related contexts. 被害 focuses on the damage or harm suffered by victims. Key collocations include 被害者 (victim), 被害を受ける (to suffer damage), and 被害が広がる (damage spreads). It is distinguished from 損害 (financial or material loss) by its broader scope covering physical and emotional harm.

Examples

1. 台風の被害は予想より大きかった。 The damage from the typhoon was worse than expected.
2. この地域では地震の被害が少なかった。 This area suffered little damage from the earthquake.
3. 被害に遭った人たちに支援が届いている。 Aid is reaching the people who were affected.

Usage Guide

Context: news, disaster, law

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Composed of 被 (to suffer, to receive) and 害 (harm, damage). Together they express the concept of receiving or suffering harm.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal