This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 noun #6,500 most common 11 min read

弊害

heigai Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 弊害 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 弊害 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 弊害 (heigai) is quite advanced and is not usually taught. However, you can think of it as a very fancy way to say 'bad things' or 'problems' that happen because of a rule or a habit. In A1, you mostly learn words like warui (bad) or mondai (problem). Imagine you play video games all night and then you are tired at school. That 'tiredness' is a bad result. In adult Japanese, they call that a heigai.

Since A1 learners focus on basic survival Japanese, you won't need to use this word yourself yet. But if you see it, just remember: it means 'a bad result from a system or habit.' It's like when you have too much candy and your teeth hurt—the 'hurt' is the heigai of eating too much candy. It's a formal word, so you'll see it in books or on the news more than in daily talk.

To help you remember, think of the 'gai' part. You might know gaikokujin (foreigner), but here 'gai' (害) means 'harm.' So heigai is a type of harm. Even at A1, knowing that 'gai' often means something bad can help you guess the meaning of many difficult Japanese words later on!

For A2 learners, 弊害 (heigai) is a word you might start to recognize in simple news articles or health posters. It's a noun that means 'harmful effects.' While you might usually use yokunai koto (bad things), heigai is used when you want to talk about the negative side of a lifestyle or a system. For example, if you are studying about health, you might see 'the heigai of smoking' or 'the heigai of not sleeping.'

At this level, you can practice connecting it with the particle no. For example: sumaho no heigai (the harmful effects of smartphones). You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet, but understanding that it describes a 'result' of something bad is a great step. It's more formal than dame or warui, so it makes you sound like you are talking about a serious topic.

Try to notice it when you read about Japanese society. Japan has many rules, and sometimes those rules have 'bad side effects.' That's exactly what heigai is. It's a very 'grown-up' word. If you use it correctly in a basic sentence, Japanese people will be very impressed with your vocabulary!

At the B1 level, you are moving into more complex topics like social issues and work culture. 弊害 (heigai) becomes a very useful tool for expressing your opinion on these matters. It means 'evils' or 'harmful consequences' and is perfect for discussing things like 'the harmful effects of a stressful work environment' or 'the negative consequences of too much competition in schools.'

You should start learning the common verbs that go with heigai. For example, heigai ga aru (there are harmful effects) or heigai o maneku (to cause harmful effects). This word is much better than warui ten (bad points) when you are writing an essay or giving a presentation. It shows that you understand that the problem is not just a simple mistake, but something built into the situation.

A key distinction for B1 learners is between heigai and higai. Remember: higai is for victims (like 'flood damage'), whereas heigai is for systemic issues (like 'the evils of bureaucracy'). If you can use heigai to describe a social trend, you are well on your way to reaching the upper-intermediate level of Japanese proficiency.

As a B2 learner, 弊害 (heigai) should be a regular part of your vocabulary. This is the level where you are expected to discuss abstract concepts and social problems in detail. Heigai is the standard term for 'systemic harmful effects' or 'the downside of a structure.' It is used extensively in professional environments, editorials, and academic discussions. You should be able to use it to analyze policies, corporate structures, and social habits.

You should also be familiar with more advanced collocations, such as heigai o tadasu (to correct the evils) or heigai o jokyo suru (to eliminate the harmful effects). At B2, you should understand the nuance that heigai often implies a 'long-standing' or 'entrenched' problem. It's not just a temporary issue; it's a 'rot' that has developed over time within a system. This makes it a powerful word for critical analysis.

In your writing, use heigai to contrast the 'merits' (meritto) of a situation. For example, 'While this technology has many benefits, we must not overlook its heigai.' This balanced approach is exactly what is expected in B2-level Japanese discourse. It demonstrates a sophisticated ability to weigh different aspects of a complex topic.

At the C1 level, your use of 弊害 (heigai) should be nuanced and precise. You should recognize it not just as a general word for 'harm,' but as a specific term for the 'dysfunctions' that arise within complex systems. You will encounter it in high-level literature, legal documents, and deep philosophical or sociological critiques. At this stage, you should be able to distinguish heigai from even more specific terms like heifuu (evil customs) or gaidoku (poisonous influence).

You should be comfortable using heigai in complex grammatical structures, such as ~ni tomonau heigai (harmful effects accompanying ~) or heigai o saishougen ni todomeru (to keep harmful effects to a minimum). You might also see it used in more metaphorical ways, such as the heigai of a particular way of thinking or a philosophical school. The word carries a certain 'weight' of intellectual rigor.

In professional settings, a C1 speaker uses heigai to advocate for structural change. For instance, when arguing for a pivot in company strategy, you might point out the heigai of 'siloed' departments. It is a word of critique and reform. Your ability to identify and articulate these systemic issues using the correct terminology is a hallmark of near-native fluency.

For C2 learners, 弊害 (heigai) is a word whose historical and cultural connotations you should fully grasp. You understand its roots in the 'Hei' (弊) kanji, which historically related to worn-out silk or humble offerings, evolving to mean 'corrupt' or 'worn out.' This etymological depth informs your understanding of heigai as something that is 'worn out' or 'deteriorated' within a society or system. You can use it to discuss the 'decay' of institutions or the 'corrupting' influence of power.

At this level, you can engage with the word in its most abstract and academic forms. You might analyze the heigai of post-modernism or the heigai of neoliberal economic policies in peer-reviewed journals. You are also capable of using it with a touch of irony or rhetorical flourish in high-level speeches. You know that heigai is often the 'unintended consequence' of human design, reflecting the inherent flaws in any man-made system.

Furthermore, a C2 speaker can navigate the delicate balance of using such a formal word without sounding pedantic, by perfectly matching it to the register of the surrounding discourse. Whether you are critiquing the heigai of the 'Galapagos effect' in Japanese industry or the heigai of linguistic prescriptivism, your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

弊害 in 30 Seconds

Heigai refers to systemic harmful effects or 'evils' arising from a structure or habit.
It is a formal word used in news, business, and academic writing.
It is often paired with verbs like 'shoujiru' (arise) or 'zesei suru' (correct).
Unlike 'higai' (damage), it focuses on the flaw within the system itself.

The Japanese word 弊害 (heigai) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'harmful effects,' 'evils,' or 'negative consequences.' However, unlike the more general word for damage or harm, 害 (gai), heigai specifically refers to the detrimental side effects that arise from a particular system, habit, social structure, or long-standing practice. It is a word that looks at the 'shadow side' of something that might otherwise be intended to be neutral or even positive. When you use heigai, you are often pointing out a systemic flaw or a secondary problem that has developed over time due to the way things are set up.

Systemic Context: It is frequently used in discussions about bureaucracy, corporate culture, or educational systems where a rule meant to maintain order starts causing inefficiency or stress.
Social and Habitual Context: It applies to social trends or personal habits, such as the negative effects of excessive smartphone use or the 'evils' of a consumerist society.

過度な学歴社会には、多くの弊害が伴うと言われている。(It is said that many harmful effects accompany an excessive academic-background-oriented society.)

To understand heigai deeply, one must look at its components. The first kanji, 弊 (hei), carries meanings of 'evil,' 'bad habit,' or 'humble/my own' (as in heisha - our humble company). The second kanji, 害 (gai), means 'harm' or 'damage.' Together, they describe a situation where a 'bad habit' or 'structural flaw' results in 'harm.' It is rarely used for physical injury to a person; instead, it describes abstract harm to society, efficiency, health, or morality. For instance, the 'harmful effects' of a monopoly in business are heigai, as are the 'evils' of political corruption. It carries a weight of seriousness and is common in editorials, academic writing, and formal business debates.

縦割り行政の弊害を打破しなければならない。(We must break down the harmful effects of vertically segmented administration.)

In modern Japan, you will often hear this word in the context of 'Digital Heigai.' This refers to the lack of sleep, decreased concentration, and social isolation caused by the overuse of technology. It is also a staple in economic news when discussing the heigai of a weak yen or the heigai of long working hours (karoshi culture). It implies that the harm is not a one-time accident but a persistent issue rooted in the way things are currently functioning. Therefore, solving a heigai usually requires structural reform rather than just a quick fix.

長時間労働の弊害が、少子化の一因となっている。(The negative consequences of long working hours are one cause of the declining birthrate.)

Common Verbs: Typically paired with oshieru (to point out), maneku (to invite/cause), nozoku (to remove), or tomonau (to accompany).

新しい制度の導入には、思わぬ弊害が潜んでいる可能性がある。(There is a possibility that unexpected harmful effects lie hidden in the introduction of a new system.)

Using 弊害 (heigai) correctly involves understanding its role as a formal noun that usually functions as the object or subject of a sentence. Because it describes a systemic or abstract harm, it is rarely used in casual conversation about simple mishaps. Instead, it appears in discussions about policy, health, social trends, and organizational structure. It often follows a noun or a short phrase that identifies the source of the harm, joined by the particle の (no).

Sentence Structure A: Source + の + 弊害: Example: 'The harmful effects of social media' becomes SNSの弊害. This is the most common way to specify what is causing the negative consequences.
Sentence Structure B: 弊害 + が + Verb: Common verbs include deru (emerge), shoujiru (arise), or arawareru (appear). Example: Heigai ga shoujiru (Harmful effects arise).

独占禁止法は、市場の独占による弊害を防ぐために制定された。(The Antimonopoly Act was enacted to prevent the harmful effects of market monopolies.)

When you want to talk about fixing the problem, you use transitive verbs with heigai as the direct object (using the particle を). To 'remove' or 'eliminate' these evils, you use nozoku (除く) or jokyo suru (除去する). To 'correct' them, you use tadasu (正す). If you want to say that something 'causes' or 'brings about' these effects, you use maneku (招く) or motarasu (もたらす). Using these verbs correctly elevates your Japanese to a professional, B2-C1 level.

この慣習には多くの弊害があるため、見直す必要がある。(Because this custom has many harmful effects, it needs to be reviewed.)

In academic and formal writing, you will see the pattern ~no heigai wa hakarishirenai (the harmful effects of ~ are immeasurable). This is a strong way to emphasize the severity of the damage. Another common pattern is heigai o saishougen ni osaeru (to keep the harmful effects to a minimum), often used in risk management or policy debates. Notice how the word allows for a nuanced discussion about trade-offs; it acknowledges that a system exists but focuses on the 'cost' of that system.

急激な円安の弊害が、輸入企業に重くのしかかっている。(The harmful effects of the rapid yen depreciation are weighing heavily on importing companies.)

Formal vs. Informal: Informal: Kore wa dame da (This is bad). Formal: Kore ni wa heigai ga aru (This has harmful consequences).

If you watch the NHK news or read the Nikkei Shinbun (Japan's leading business newspaper), you will encounter 弊害 (heigai) almost daily. It is a cornerstone word for Japanese journalism and public discourse. You hear it most often in the context of 'Social Problems' (社会問題). Reporters use it to summarize the complex negative outcomes of modern living, such as the heigai of an aging population or the heigai of urban overcrowding.

In the Workplace: During a 'Kaizen' (improvement) meeting, a manager might say, 'We need to address the heigai of our current reporting process.' This implies the process is causing delays or errors.
In Educational Settings: Teachers and parents often discuss the heigai of 'cramming education' (tsumekomi kyouiku), referring to the loss of creativity in students.

SNSの使いすぎによる弊害が、若者のメンタルヘルスに影響を与えている。(The harmful effects of excessive SNS use are affecting the mental health of young people.)

Another place you'll hear this word is in political debates in the Diet (Japanese Parliament). Politicians frequently argue about the heigai of their opponents' proposed bills. For example, 'The heigai of increasing taxes at this time would be a cooling of consumer spending.' In this context, it serves as a powerful rhetorical tool to highlight the risks of a certain path. It sounds much more authoritative than simply saying 'something bad will happen.'

学歴至上主義の弊害を是正するために、新しい採用基準が設けられた。(New hiring criteria were established to correct the harmful effects of academic elitism.)

You might also hear it in documentaries or talk shows discussing health and lifestyle. A doctor might talk about the heigai of a sedentary lifestyle (suwari-ppanashi no heigai), listing things like poor circulation or back pain. In these cases, heigai is used to group several different health issues under one umbrella of 'negative consequences' caused by one specific habit. It helps the speaker organize their argument logically.

過剰な情報にさらされることの弊害について、専門家が警告している。(Experts are warning about the harmful effects of being exposed to excessive information.)

Common Contexts: 1. Economic Policy 2. Corporate Governance 3. Public Health 4. Environmental Issues 5. Educational Theory.

While 弊害 (heigai) is a useful word, English speakers often confuse it with other 'harm' related words in Japanese. The most common mistake is using heigai when you should use higai (被害). While they sound similar, they are very different. Higai refers to damage or injury suffered by a victim (like in a storm or a crime). Heigai refers to the 'evil' or 'negative side effect' within a system or habit. You are a 'victim' of higai, but a society 'suffers from' the heigai of a policy.

Heigai vs. Higai: Wrong: Taifu no heigai (The evils of the typhoon). Correct: Taifu no higai (The damage from the typhoon).
Heigai vs. Akueikyou: Akueikyou (bad influence/effect) is more general. Heigai is more formal and implies a structural or systemic problem. Use akueikyou for personal relationships; use heigai for social issues.

❌ 彼の態度はチームに弊害を与えた。(His attitude gave 'evils' to the team - Sounds too formal/weird.)
✅ 彼の態度はチームに悪影響を与えた。(His attitude had a bad influence on the team.)

Another mistake is the level of formality. Heigai is a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese word), which naturally makes it formal. Using it in a casual chat with friends about why you didn't like a movie would sound overly dramatic and slightly strange. It's like saying 'The cinematic structure of this film resulted in several systemic evils.' Instead, just use yokunai tokoro (bad parts) or demeritto (demerits/downsides) in casual settings.

❌ この靴の弊害は、足が痛くなることです。(The 'evils' of these shoes is that my feet hurt.)
✅ この靴の欠点は、足が痛くなることです。(The 'drawback' of these shoes is that my feet hurt.)

Lastly, learners sometimes forget that heigai is a noun and try to use it as a verb. You cannot say heigai-suru. You must pair it with a verb like heigai o maneku (cause harmful effects) or heigai ga aru (there are harmful effects). Remember that heigai is the 'thing' itself, the consequence, not the action of harming.

Summary of Misuse: 1. Confusing with higai (victim damage). 2. Using in casual personal contexts. 3. Attempting to use it as a verb. 4. Using it for physical, non-systemic harm.

To truly master 弊害 (heigai), it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning, and choosing the right one will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise. The most common alternative is 悪影響 (akueikyou), which is very versatile and can be used for almost any 'bad effect.'

悪影響 (Akueikyou): Meaning: Bad influence / negative effect. Akueikyou is broader. You can say 'The weather had an akueikyou on the crops,' but you wouldn't usually use heigai there unless you were talking about the 'evils of the agricultural system' failing to handle the weather.
デメリット (Demerit): Meaning: Disadvantage / downside. This is a katakana word used frequently in business and casual conversation when comparing options. 'The demeritto of this plan is the cost.' Heigai is much heavier and more formal.
害毒 (Gaidoku): Meaning: Poison / harmful influence. This is even stronger than heigai. It implies something is actively 'poisonous' to society or morality, like 'the gaidoku of violent media.'

単なる「デメリット」ではなく、社会的な「弊害」として捉えるべきだ。(We should view it not just as a 'disadvantage' but as a 'societal evil.')

Another word you might encounter is 弊風 (heifuu). This specifically refers to 'bad customs' or 'evil habits' that have become part of a culture. While heigai is the effect of the habit, heifuu is the habit itself. For example, the heifuu of corruption leads to the heigai of economic stagnation. Understanding these nuances allows you to describe problems with surgical precision.

この政策にはメリットもあるが、無視できない弊害も多い。(This policy has merits, but it also has many harmful effects that cannot be ignored.)

In legal contexts, you might see 禍根 (kakon), which means 'the root of evil' or 'seeds of future trouble.' While heigai is the harm happening now, kakon is the source of harm that will bloom later. Using heigai suggests a current, ongoing problem that needs correction. In summary, heigai is the perfect middle-ground word for serious, systemic, and negative consequences in professional Japanese.

Quick Comparison Table: - 弊害: Systemic/Formal harm.
- 悪影響: General bad influence.
- デメリット: Logical disadvantage.
- 被害: Victim-based damage.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 弊 is the same one used in 'Heisha' (弊舎/弊社), which means 'our humble company.' In that context, it doesn't mean 'evil company,' but rather 'my worn-out/lowly company' as a form of Japanese humility.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /heɪ.ɡaɪ/

US /heɪ.ɡaɪ/

Flat pitch accent typical of many Japanese nouns, with a slight rise on 'gai' in some dialects.

Rhymes With

Keigai (形骸 - skeleton/ruins) Meigai (明快 - clarity/lucidity) Seigai (青海 - blue sea) Teigai (定外 - outside the fixed number) Reigai (例外 - exception) Eigai (営外 - outside the barracks) Beigai (米害 - damage to rice crops) Deigai (泥咳 - muddy cough - rare)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'hei' like 'hi' (high). It should be 'hey'.
Pronouncing 'gai' like 'gay'. It should rhyme with 'sky'.
Confusing the pitch with 'higai' (damage).
Failing to elongate the 'ei' in 'hei'.
Stressing the first syllable too heavily like English.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji '弊' is complex and not part of the most basic set, requiring intermediate study.

Writing 5/5

Writing '弊' from memory is challenging due to the high stroke count and complex radicals.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but knowing when to use it requires cultural nuance.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize in formal speech, but can be confused with 'higai'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

害 (Harm) 影響 (Influence) 悪い (Bad) 社会 (Society) 制度 (System)

Learn Next

是正 (Correction) 打破 (Breakdown) 顕在化 (Manifestation) 排除 (Exclusion) 禍根 (Root of evil)

Advanced

構造的欠陥 (Structural defect) 負の遺産 (Negative legacy) 機能不全 (Dysfunction) 既得権益 (Vested interests)

Grammar to Know

Noun + の + 弊害

格差社会の弊害。

Verb (Dictionary form) + ことによる + 弊害

座りすぎる際のことによる弊害。

弊害 + を + Verb (Transitive)

弊害を取り除く。

弊害 + が + Verb (Intransitive)

弊害が現れる。

弊害 + と + される

それが弊害とされている。

Examples by Level

たばこには弊害があります。

Smoking has harmful effects.

Simple A is B structure using the particle 'ni wa'.

お酒の弊害を知っていますか？

Do you know the harmful effects of alcohol?

Using 'no' to link 'alcohol' and 'heigai'.

テレビの弊害はありますか？

Are there harmful effects of TV?

Asking about the existence of something using 'arimasu ka'.

弊害は良くないことです。

Heigai is a bad thing.

Defining the word using the simple 'A wa B desu' pattern.

ゲームの弊害を考えましょう。

Let's think about the harmful effects of games.

Using the 'mashou' form for a suggestion.

弊害をなくしたいです。

I want to eliminate the harmful effects.

Using the 'tai' form to express a desire.

これは一つの弊害です。

This is one harmful effect.

Using a counter 'hitotsu' for the noun.

弊害について話します。

I will talk about the harmful effects.

Using 'nitsuite' to mean 'about'.

スマホの使いすぎは、目に弊害があります。

Using smartphones too much has harmful effects on the eyes.

Connecting the source (smartphone use) to the effect.

このルールには、多くの弊害があります。

This rule has many harmful effects.

Using 'ooku no' to describe the quantity of the noun.

弊害を減らすために努力します。

I will work hard to reduce the harmful effects.

Using 'tame ni' to express purpose.

夜更かしの弊害を調べました。

I researched the harmful effects of staying up late.

Past tense of 'shiraberu' (to investigate).

弊害が出る前に止めましょう。

Let's stop it before harmful effects appear.

Using 'mae ni' (before) with the verb 'deru'.

それは社会に弊害を与えます。

That gives harmful effects to society.

Using 'ataeru' (to give/inflict).

新しい薬の弊害が心配です。

I am worried about the harmful effects of the new medicine.

Using 'shinpai desu' to express worry.

弊害がないかチェックします。

I will check if there are any harmful effects.

Using the 'ka' particle for an embedded question.

学歴社会の弊害について議論した。

We discussed the harmful effects of an academic-background-oriented society.

Using 'giron suru' (to discuss) in the past tense.

独占の弊害を防ぐ法律が必要です。

A law is needed to prevent the harmful effects of monopolies.

Using 'fusegu' (to prevent) to modify the noun 'houritsu'.

この習慣は、健康に大きな弊害をもたらす。

This habit brings great harmful effects to one's health.

Using 'motarasu' (to bring about), a more formal verb.

弊害を除去するために、制度を変えた。

In order to remove the harmful effects, we changed the system.

Using 'jokyo suru' (to remove), a formal kango verb.

急激な変化は、思わぬ弊害を招くことがある。

Sudden changes can sometimes invite unexpected harmful effects.

Using 'maneku' (to invite/cause) and 'koto ga aru'.

縦割り行政の弊害が指摘されている。

The harmful effects of vertically segmented administration are being pointed out.

Passive form 'shiteki sarete iru' (is being pointed out).

弊害を最小限に抑える対策を立てる。

We will create measures to keep the harmful effects to a minimum.

Using 'saishougen ni osaeru' (to keep to a minimum).

その政策には、無視できない弊害がある。

That policy has harmful effects that cannot be ignored.

Using 'mushi dekinai' (cannot ignore) to modify 'heigai'.

官僚主義の弊害が、経済の停滞を招いている。

The harmful effects of bureaucracy are causing economic stagnation.

Linking 'heigai' as the subject to the result 'stagnation'.

長年の慣習に伴う弊害を是正する時期だ。

It is time to correct the harmful effects accompanying long-standing customs.

Using 'tomonau' (to accompany) and 'zesei suru' (to correct).

都市への一極集中は、地方に多くの弊害を及ぼしている。

The extreme concentration in cities is exerting many harmful effects on rural areas.

Using 'oyobosu' (to exert/influence).

弊害を恐れて、改革をためらってはならない。

We must not hesitate to reform for fear of harmful effects.

Using 'osorete' (fearing) and 'tameratte wa naranai'.

その新薬は、副作用という弊害が懸念されている。

There are concerns about the harmful effects of side effects for that new drug.

Using 'to iu' to define the type of heigai.

ネット社会の弊害として、情報の信憑性が挙げられる。

As a harmful effect of internet society, the credibility of information is cited.

Using 'heigai to shite' (as a harmful effect).

弊害が顕在化してからでは遅すぎる。

It will be too late once the harmful effects become apparent.

Using 'kenzaika suru' (to become apparent/manifest).

市場競争の弊害を補完する仕組みが必要だ。

A mechanism to complement (offset) the harmful effects of market competition is necessary.

Using 'hokan suru' (to complement/supplement).

過度な能力主義は、組織の連帯感に弊害を及ぼす恐れがある。

Excessive meritocracy may have harmful effects on the sense of solidarity within an organization.

Using 'osore ga aru' to express a sophisticated 'fear/risk'.

既存のシステムの弊害を打破し、イノベーションを促進する。

We will break down the harmful effects of the existing system and promote innovation.

Using 'daha suru' (to break down/demolish).

その法案の弊害は、将来の世代にまで及ぶ可能性がある。

The harmful effects of that bill could potentially extend to future generations.

Using 'kanousei ga aru' for high-level probability.

弊害を甘受するのではなく、抜本的な解決策を模索すべきだ。

Rather than putting up with the harmful effects, we should seek a radical solution.

Using 'kanju suru' (to put up with/tolerate) and 'bakpon-teki' (radical).

権力の集中は、歴史的に見て常に多くの弊害を生んできた。

Historically, the concentration of power has always produced many evils.

Using 'rekishi-teki ni mite' (looking historically).

デジタル化の弊害を、多角的な視点から分析する必要がある。

It is necessary to analyze the harmful effects of digitalization from multi-faceted perspectives.

Using 'takaku-teki na shiten' (multi-faceted perspectives).

弊害を糊塗するような一時的な対策では不十分だ。

Temporary measures that merely gloss over the harmful effects are insufficient.

Using 'koto suru' (to gloss over/patch up).

環境破壊の弊害は、もはや一国の努力では解決できない。

The harmful effects of environmental destruction can no longer be solved by the efforts of a single nation.

Using 'mohaya ~ nai' (no longer).

新自由主義的言説がもたらした弊害は、社会の分断を加速させた。

The harmful effects brought about by neoliberal discourse accelerated social fragmentation.

High-level vocabulary like 'gensetsu' (discourse) and 'bundan' (fragmentation).

弊害を内包しつつも、現状の体制を維持せざるを得ないジレンマがある。

There is a dilemma where we have no choice but to maintain the current system despite its inherent harmful effects.

Using 'naihou suru' (to contain/inherently possess) and 'sezaru o enai'.

情報の非対称性が生む弊害は、市場の健全性を著しく損なう。

The harmful effects generated by information asymmetry significantly impair market integrity.

Using 'hi-taishousei' (asymmetry) and 'ichijirushiku' (significantly).

弊害の連鎖を断ち切るには、パラダイムシフトが不可欠である。

A paradigm shift is indispensable to break the chain of harmful effects.

Using 'rensa' (chain) and 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

その思想的弊害は、長年にわたり人々の深層心理に沈殿してきた。

Those ideological evils have settled into people's deep psychology over many years.

Using 'shinsou shinri' (deep psychology) and 'chinden suru' (to settle/precipitate).

弊害を剔抉し、真の民主主義を再構築することが急務である。

It is an urgent task to gouge out the evils and reconstruct true democracy.

Using 'tekketsu suru' (to gouge out/expose) and 'kyuumu' (urgent task).

科学技術の進歩が孕む弊害に対し、我々は倫理的な警鐘を鳴らし続けるべきだ。

We should continue to sound an ethical alarm against the harmful effects inherent in the progress of science and technology.

Using 'haramu' (to be pregnant with/contain) and 'keishou o narasu'.

弊害を不可避のコストと見なす冷徹なリアリズムが横行している。

A cold-hearted realism that regards harmful effects as an unavoidable cost is rampant.

Using 'fukahi' (unavoidable) and 'reitetsu' (cold-hearted/composed).

Synonyms

害毒悪影響デメリット副作用害

Antonyms

恩恵便益

Common Collocations

弊害を伴う

弊害が生じる

弊害を除く

弊害を是正する

弊害を招く

弊害が及ぶ

深刻な弊害

目に見える弊害

弊害を打破する

弊害を最小限にする

Common Phrases

弊害がある

— Simply states that harmful effects exist in a situation.

このやり方には弊害がある。

弊害を恐れる

— To be afraid of the potential negative consequences of an action.

弊害を恐れて何もしない。

弊害が目立つ

— When the negative side effects become obvious or prominent.

最近、その制度の弊害が目立ってきた。

弊害を指摘する

— To point out or criticize the harmful effects of something.

専門家がその政策の弊害を指摘した。

弊害を取り除く

— To actively work to get rid of the negative consequences.

まずは現在の弊害を取り除こう。

弊害をもたらす

— To cause or result in harmful consequences.

過剰なストレスは体に弊害をもたらす。

弊害が懸念される

— Used in formal contexts to say people are worried about bad effects.

景気後退による弊害が懸念される。

弊害は免れない

— To say that harmful effects are unavoidable.

この変更による弊害は免れない。

弊害の除去

— The noun phrase for 'removal of harmful effects.'

弊害の除去が急務だ。

弊害を食い止める

— To stop the spread or escalation of harmful effects.

弊害を食い止めるために全力を尽くす。

Often Confused With

弊害 vs 被害 (Higai)

Higai is damage suffered by a person/victim. Heigai is a systemic evil or negative side effect.

弊害 vs 災害 (Saigai)

Saigai is a natural disaster (earthquake, flood). Heigai is a human-made systemic problem.

弊害 vs 妨害 (Bougai)

Bougai is active interference or obstruction. Heigai is a passive result or consequence.

Idioms & Expressions

"弊害百出"

— A state where many harmful effects or evils are appearing one after another.

新制度は弊害百出で、現場は混乱している。

Very Formal/Literary

"弊害を流す"

— To spread harmful influences or bad habits into society.

無責任な報道が弊害を流している。

Formal

"弊害を洗う"

— To clean up or investigate the root of the evils.

組織の弊害を洗い出し、改善する。

Business/Formal

"弊害の芽を摘む"

— To nip the 'buds' of harmful effects before they grow.

弊害の芽を早いうちに摘んでおく必要がある。

Metaphorical

"弊害を被る"

— To suffer the harmful effects of something (usually a system).

下請け業者がその制度の弊害を被っている。

Formal

"弊害が身に及ぶ"

— When the harmful effects start affecting one personally.

ついにその弊害が私の身に及んできた。

Neutral

"弊害を正す"

— To set right the evils or bad habits that have formed.

乱れた風紀の弊害を正す。

Formal

"弊害を隠蔽する"

— To cover up the harmful effects of a failure or policy.

政府は政策の弊害を隠蔽しようとした。

Journalistic

"弊害を助長する"

— To encourage or worsen the harmful effects.

今の教育は、競争の弊害を助長している。

Critical/Formal

"弊害を孕む"

— To contain potential harmful effects within itself.

その計画は最初から多くの弊害を孕んでいた。

Literary

Easily Confused

弊害 vs 悪影響

Both mean 'bad effect.'

Akueikyou is general and can be used for simple influences. Heigai is formal and implies a structural or systemic origin.

テレビの悪影響 (Bad influence of TV) vs. テレビ社会の弊害 (The evils of a TV-centric society).

弊害 vs デメリット

Both talk about downsides.

Demerit is used for logical comparisons (Pros/Cons). Heigai is used for serious social or organizational problems.

この車のデメリット (This car's downside) vs. 車社会の弊害 (The evils of a car-dependent society).

弊害 vs 公害

Both involve 'harm' to society.

Kougai specifically refers to environmental pollution. Heigai is a broader term for any systemic harm.

大気汚染という公害 (Pollution like air pollution) vs. 産業化の弊害 (The harmful effects of industrialization).

弊害 vs 弊風

Both start with 'Hei'.

Heifuu is the 'bad custom' itself. Heigai is the 'harm' caused by that custom.

古い弊風 (Old bad customs) vs. その弊風による弊害 (Harmful effects caused by those bad customs).

弊害 vs 欠点

Both refer to something negative.

Ketten is a 'defect' or 'flaw' in a person or product. Heigai is a 'consequence' or 'evil' of a system.

彼の欠点 (His flaw) vs. 官僚制の弊害 (The evils of bureaucracy).

Sentence Patterns

AにはBという弊害がある。

その計画にはコスト増という弊害がある。

Aの弊害が深刻化している。

少子高齢化の弊害が深刻化している。

弊害を是正するために、〜が必要だ。

弊害を是正するために、改革が必要だ。

〜に伴う弊害は無視できない。

デジタル化に伴う弊害は無視できない。

弊害を最小限に抑えるべく、〜する。

弊害を最小限に抑えるべく、対策を講じる。

弊害が顕在化しつつある現状において、〜。

弊害が顕在化しつつある現状において、再考が求められる。

弊害を招かないように注意する。

弊害を招かないように注意して進める。

Aの弊害を指摘する声が上がっている。

新制度の弊害を指摘する声が上がっている。

Word Family

Nouns

弊 (Hei - Evil/Bad habit)

害 (Gai - Harm/Damage)

被害 (Higai - Victim damage)

加害 (Kagai - Inflicting harm)

弊風 (Heifuu - Evil custom)

Verbs

害する (Gai-suru - To harm/damage)

害ねる (Sokonau - To damage/miss - related root)

Adjectives

有害な (Yuugai-na - Harmful)

無害な (Mugai-na - Harmless)

公害 (Kougai - Pollution)

殺害 (Satsugai - Murder)

妨害 (Bougai - Obstruction)

損害 (Songai - Loss/Damage)

災害 (Saigai - Disaster)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, academic texts, and business reports; rare in casual daily chat.

Common Mistakes

Using 'heigai' for earthquake damage. → Using 'higai' (被害).
'Heigai' is for systemic or habitual evils. Natural disasters cause 'higai'.
Saying 'heigai-suru'. → Saying 'heigai o maneku' or 'heigai ga aru'.
'Heigai' is a noun and cannot be turned into a suru-verb directly.
Using 'heigai' in a casual chat with friends about a bad meal. → Using 'yokunai' or 'mazui'.
'Heigai' is too formal for casual talk about food or personal dislikes.
Confusing 'heigai' with 'kougai' (pollution). → Using 'kougai' for environmental issues specifically.
While 'kougai' is a type of 'heigai', they are not interchangeable when talking about pollution.
Using 'heigai' for a physical injury to a person. → Using 'kega' or 'fushou'.
'Heigai' refers to abstract or systemic harm, not a broken bone or cut.

Tips

Pair with 'Zesei'

If you mention a 'heigai', always try to follow up with 'zesei' (correction). It makes your argument sound proactive and solution-oriented.

Watch the 'Hei'

The 'Hei' in 'heigai' sounds like the English word 'hay'. Don't confuse it with 'Hi' (as in 'history'), which would turn the word into 'higai' (damage).

Use in Essays

Use 'heigai' when writing about social problems like 'the aging population' or 'digital addiction' to get a higher score on exams like the JLPT N2 or N1.

Kanji Meaning

Remember that 'Hei' (弊) also means 'humble'. While it means 'evil' in 'heigai', it shows the word's ancient roots in describing things that are worn out or low-quality.

Don't Overuse

Avoid using 'heigai' for small personal problems, like dropping your phone. It's for bigger, systemic issues. Using it for small things can sound overly dramatic.

Particle Choice

Use 'ni yoru heigai' (harmful effects caused by...) to clearly link a cause to its negative result in a formal sentence.

Systemic Focus

Always ask yourself: 'Is this harm coming from a system or a habit?' If yes, 'heigai' is usually the perfect word.

News Staple

If you read a Japanese newspaper editorial, you will almost certainly find 'heigai'. It's a key word for understanding 'serious' Japanese.

The 'Hei-Guy' Story

Remember the 'Hey Guy!' who is upset about a bad law. It's a quick way to keep the meaning and pronunciation together in your head.

Corporate Japan

Learning 'heigai' is essential for understanding the internal critiques of Japanese corporate culture, especially regarding bureaucracy and long hours.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'HEY!' (弊) and 'GUY!' (害). Imagine a guy shouting 'Hey!' because a bad system just dropped a heavy box on his foot. That 'Hey-Guy' is the harmful effect.

Visual Association

Visualize a giant, rusty gear (the system) grinding against a small, delicate flower (society). The rust falling off and crushing the flower represents the 'heigai'.

Word Web

System Harm Side-effect Bureaucracy Habit Evil Consequence Reform

Challenge

Try to find one 'heigai' of your current daily routine (e.g., drinking too much coffee) and explain it in Japanese using '...no heigai wa... desu.'

Word Origin

The word is composed of two kanji: 弊 (hei) and 害 (gai). 弊 originally depicted tattered cloth or silk, which evolved to represent things that are worn out, corrupt, or bad. 害 represents a house with a tongue/speech inside, originally meaning to injure with words or cause damage.

Original meaning: A worn-out or corrupt state that causes harm.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

It is a critical word. Using it about someone's personal project might sound quite harsh or like a formal condemnation.

In English, we often use 'side effects' for medicine and 'negative consequences' for policy. Japanese uses heigai for both if they are systemic.

Used in the 'Antimonopoly Act' (独占禁止法) to describe market evils. Frequently appears in 'The Asahi Shimbun' editorials (Tensei Jingo). A common theme in the works of Natsume Soseki when critiquing modernization.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Healthcare

喫煙の弊害
運動不足の弊害
偏食の弊害
睡眠不足の弊害

Politics/Policy

増税の弊害
規制緩和の弊害
一極集中の弊害
汚職の弊害

Corporate Culture

年功序列の弊害
縦割りの弊害
会議の多さの弊害
忖度の弊害

Technology

AI活用の弊害
SNS依存の弊害
情報過多の弊害
偽情報の弊害

Education

受験競争の弊害
詰め込み教育の弊害
不登校の弊害
学歴偏重の弊害

Conversation Starters

"最近のスマホ社会における最大の弊害は何だと思いますか？"

"テレワークが普及したことで、逆にどのような弊害が生まれましたか？"

"日本の教育システムにおいて、是正すべき弊害は何でしょうか？"

"SNSを使い続けることの弊害を、どのように感じていますか？"

"新しい技術を導入する際、弊害を最小限にするにはどうすればいいですか？"

Journal Prompts

あなたの今の生活習慣の中で、何らかの弊害を生んでいるものはありますか？それをどう改善したいですか？

「便利さ」がもたらす弊害について、具体例を挙げて自分の意見を書いてください。

過去に経験した、組織やチームのルールの弊害について詳しく記述してください。

将来、AIがさらに普及したときに想定される弊害とその対策について考察してください。

「弊害を恐れて挑戦しないこと」自体が最大の弊害である、という考えについてどう思いますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, absolutely. It is very common to say 'the heigai of smoking' (kitsu-en no heigai) or 'the heigai of lack of sleep' (suimin-busoku no heigai). It sounds more clinical and serious than just saying it is 'bad for you'.

No. For natural disasters like earthquakes or floods, use 'higai' (damage) or 'saigai' (disaster). 'Heigai' is for man-made systems, habits, or societal structures.

'Akueikyou' is a general term for 'bad influence' and can be used in almost any context. 'Heigai' is more formal and specifically points to a problem that is 'built into' a system or habit. Use 'heigai' for topics like politics, economy, and social structure.

It is written as 弊害. The first kanji 弊 has 15 strokes and is quite complex. The second kanji 害 has 10 strokes. Practice the top part of 弊 carefully, as it is the most difficult section.

No, 'heigai' is only a noun. You cannot say 'heigai-suru'. You must use it with a verb like 'heigai o maneku' (cause harmful effects) or 'heigai ga aru' (there are harmful effects).

It is very common in the news, newspapers, and academic settings. In casual conversation, people might use 'demeritto' or 'warui tokoro' instead, but 'heigai' is essential for understanding adult-level Japanese.

In English, we often translate it as 'harmful effects' (plural), but in Japanese, it can refer to one specific harm or a general set of harms. The word itself doesn't change form.

It means 'to correct the evils' or 'to fix the harmful effects.' It is a very formal and strong phrase often used by leaders or reformers.

Yes, it is very appropriate for professional writing when you want to discuss the negative consequences of a policy or a current workflow.

The most direct opposites are 'onkei' (benefits/blessings) or 'meritto' (merits/advantages).