損なう in 30 Seconds
- 損なう means to damage or harm, especially health or reputation.
- It implies a negative impact or loss.
- Can also mean to miss an opportunity.
- Often used with abstract nouns like 'health' or 'trust'.
The Japanese verb 損なう (sonau) fundamentally means to cause harm, damage, or loss. It's a versatile word that can be applied in various contexts, but it generally carries a negative connotation, indicating that something valuable has been negatively impacted or deteriorated.
- Health
- A very common usage is in relation to health. When you say someone's health has been harmed or damaged, you'd use 損なう. This could be due to overwork, poor diet, stress, or illness. For instance, '睡眠不足は体の調子を損なう' (Lack of sleep harms the body's condition).
- Reputation and Trust
- Beyond physical well-being, 損なう can also refer to damage to one's reputation, credibility, or the trust others have in them. An unethical action or a serious mistake can 損なう a person's or organization's reputation. For example, '不正行為は企業の信用を損なう' (Fraudulent acts damage a company's credibility).
- Opportunities and Potential
- In a broader sense, 損なう can also mean to miss out on or spoil an opportunity, to damage one's chances. This implies that a favorable situation or potential benefit has been lost due to an action or inaction. For example, '準備不足で試験の機会を損なった' (Due to insufficient preparation, I missed the opportunity for the exam).
- Abstract Concepts
- It can also be used for other abstract things that can be damaged, like the atmosphere of a place, the quality of something, or even one's good mood. For instance, '彼の態度は場の雰囲気を損なった' (His attitude spoiled the atmosphere of the place).
夜更かしは健康を損なう可能性がある。損なう
The nuance of 損なう is that the damage or harm is often a consequence of an action, or a failure to act, and it leads to a loss or deterioration of something that was previously in a better state.
Using 損なう correctly involves understanding its grammatical function as a transitive verb, meaning it typically takes a direct object. The object is usually something that is being harmed or damaged.
- Basic Structure
- The most common sentence structure is: [Object] を 損なう ([Object] o sonau). The particle 'を' (o) marks the direct object of the verb.
- Examples with Health
- 過度な運動は、かえって体を損なうことがある。 (Kado na undō wa, kaette karada o sonau koto ga aru.) - Excessive exercise can, in fact, harm the body.
- 不規則な生活は、健康を損なう原因となる。 (Fukisoku na seikatsu wa, kenkō o sonau gen'in to naru.) - An irregular lifestyle can become a cause for harming one's health.
- ストレスは精神を損なう。 (Sutoresu wa seishin o sonau.) - Stress harms the mind.
- Examples with Reputation/Trust
- 彼の嘘は、周りの人からの信頼を損なった。 (Kare no uso wa, mawari no hito kara no shinrai o sonatta.) - His lie damaged the trust from people around him.
- 無責任な発言は、組織の評判を損なう。 (Musekinin na hatsugen wa, soshiki no hyōban o sonau.) - Irresponsible remarks damage the organization's reputation.
- 情報漏洩は、企業のブランドイメージを大きく損なう。 (Jōhō rōei wa, kigyō no burando imēji o ōkiku sonau.) - The information leak significantly damages the company's brand image.
- Examples with Opportunities/Potential
- 遅刻したせいで、面接の機会を損ねてしまった。 (Chikoku shita sei de, mensetsu no kikai o soneteshimatta.) - Because I was late, I ended up missing the interview opportunity. (Note: 損ねてしまった is the past tense of 損なう)
- 準備不足は、せっかくのチャンスを損なう。 (Junbi busoku wa, sekkaku no chansu o sonau.) - Lack of preparation spoils a precious chance.
- 彼の優柔不断さが、プロジェクトの成功の可能性を損なっている。 (Kare no yūjūfudansasa ga, purojekuto no seikō no kanōsei o sonatte iru.) - His indecisiveness is damaging the possibility of the project's success.
- Using the て-form
- The て-form, 損なって (sonatte), is often used to connect clauses or indicate a continuous state of damage. For example: '彼は健康を損なって、仕事ができなくなった。' (Kare wa kenkō o sonatte, shigoto ga dekinaku natta.) - He harmed his health and became unable to work.
不注意な運転は、車の価値を損なう。
You'll encounter 損なう in a variety of everyday and formal situations, reflecting its broad applicability to negative impacts.
- News and Health Reports
- In news broadcasts and articles discussing health trends, lifestyle diseases, or the effects of environmental factors, 損なう is frequently used. For example, '長期間の公害は住民の健康を損なっている' (Long-term pollution is harming the residents' health).
- Business and Economics
- Discussions about corporate reputation, market crashes, or the impact of scandals often involve this verb. You might hear or read: '景気後退は多くの企業の利益を損なった' (The economic downturn damaged the profits of many companies).
- Legal and Ethical Discussions
- When talking about legal consequences, ethical breaches, or the damage to someone's character, 損なう is a natural choice. '彼の不正行為は、彼のキャリアを完全に損なった' (His dishonest act completely ruined his career).
- Personal Conversations (with caution)
- While not as common in very casual chat, people might use it when discussing serious personal matters, such as health issues or significant mistakes. For example, '無理をして、腰を損ねてしまいました' (I pushed myself too hard and injured my back).
- Public Service Announcements
- Campaigns warning about the dangers of certain behaviors (like smoking or drinking and driving) often use 損なう to emphasize the negative consequences. '喫煙は肺の機能を損ないます' (Smoking damages lung function).
ニュースで、環境汚染が生態系を損なうと報じていた。
Learners of Japanese often make a few common mistakes when using or understanding 損なう. Being aware of these can help you use the word more accurately.
- Confusing with Similar Verbs
- Students sometimes confuse 損なう (sonau) with 壊す (kowasu - to break) or 破る (yaburu - to tear). While all indicate damage, 損なう is more often used for abstract things like health, reputation, or opportunities, or for subtle damage that doesn't necessarily mean something is completely broken or torn. '壊す' implies physical destruction, while '損なう' implies a loss of value or function.
- Incorrect Object Usage
- Since 損なう is a transitive verb, it requires a direct object marked by 'を' (o). A common mistake is to omit the object or use the wrong particle, leading to an ungrammatical sentence. For example, saying '健康を損なう' is correct, but saying '健康損なう' or '健康が損なう' (without 'を' or with 'が' incorrectly) would be wrong.
- Overuse in Casual Conversation
- While 損なう is a useful word, it can sound a bit formal or serious for very light, casual chat. In everyday talk, people might opt for simpler expressions depending on the context. For instance, instead of saying '友達の信頼を損なった' (I damaged my friend's trust), one might say '友達に悪いことをしちゃった' (I did something bad to my friend) if they want to be less direct.
- Misinterpreting 'Opportunity' Usage
- When 損なう is used with opportunities (e.g., 機会を損なう - kikai o sonau), it means to miss or lose an opportunity. Learners might sometimes interpret it as 'to damage an opportunity' in a way that implies spoiling it for others, rather than simply failing to take advantage of it for oneself. The primary meaning is personal loss of a chance.
- Confusing with 損する (son-suru)
- This is a very common confusion. 損する (son-suru) means 'to lose money', 'to incur a loss', or 'to be at a disadvantage'. While related to loss, it's specifically about financial or strategic disadvantage. 損なう is about causing harm or damage to something, not necessarily incurring a personal loss in the same way. For example, '投資で損した' (I lost money in investment) uses 損した. '健康を損なった' (I harmed my health) uses 損なった.
「健康を壊した」と言うのは間違いで、「健康を損なった」が正しい。
While 損なう is a specific verb for causing harm or damage, several other Japanese words can convey similar meanings depending on the context. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the most appropriate word.
- 壊す (kowasu)
- Meaning: To break, to destroy (physically).
- Difference from 損なう: 壊す is primarily used for physical objects that are broken, shattered, or rendered non-functional. 損なう is more about damaging the quality, value, or function of something, often in a less destructive and more subtle way, and is frequently used for abstract concepts like health or reputation.
- Example: コップを壊した (koppū o kowashita - I broke the glass) vs. 健康を損なった (kenkō o sonatta - I harmed my health).
- 傷つける (kizutsukeru)
- Meaning: To wound, to hurt (physically or emotionally).
- Difference from 損なう: 傷つける often implies causing pain or emotional distress, or inflicting a wound. While it can overlap with 損なう in terms of emotional harm, 損なう is broader and can refer to damage to reputation, potential, or overall condition rather than just inflicting pain or a wound.
- Example: 彼の言葉は私の心を傷つけた (kare no kotoba wa watashi no kokoro o kizutsuketa - His words hurt my heart) vs. 彼の発言は会社の評判を損なった (kare no hatsugen wa kaisha no hyōban o sonatta - His remarks damaged the company's reputation).
- 台無しにする (dainashi ni suru)
- Meaning: To ruin, to spoil, to make a mess of.
- Difference from 損なう: 台無しにする often implies making something completely useless, messed up, or ruined, often due to carelessness or a mistake. It's a more direct and often more severe form of ruining something. 損なう can be more subtle and about diminishing value or potential.
- Example: 雨でピクニックが台無しになった (ame de pikunikku ga dainashi ni natta - The picnic was ruined by the rain) vs. 準備不足でチャンスを損なった (junbi busoku de chansu o sonatta - Lack of preparation cost me the chance).
- 無駄にする (muda ni suru)
- Meaning: To waste, to make futile.
- Difference from 損なう: 無駄にする is specifically about wasting resources, time, effort, or opportunities. While missing an opportunity (機を損なう) can be a form of wasting it, 無駄にする is more about actively squandering something. 損なう is more about causing damage or detriment.
- Example: 時間を無駄にしないでください (jikan o muda ni shinaide kudasai - Please don't waste your time) vs. 貴重な機会を損なわないようにしましょう (kichō na kikai o sonanawanai yō ni shimashō - Let's not miss valuable opportunities).
- 損する (son-suru)
- Meaning: To lose (money), to incur a loss, to be at a disadvantage.
- Difference from 損なう: This is a key distinction. 損する almost exclusively refers to financial losses or disadvantages. 損なう refers to causing harm or damage, often to health, reputation, or abstract qualities. It does not typically involve direct financial loss.
- Example: この取引で損した (kono torihiki de son shita - I lost money in this deal) vs. 睡眠不足で集中力を損なった (suimin busoku de shūchūryoku o sonatta - Lack of sleep impaired my concentration).
「壊す」は物理的な破壊、「損なう」は健康や評判へのダメージ。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji 損 (son) is used in both 損なう (sonau - to harm/damage) and 損する (son suru - to lose money/be at a disadvantage). While both relate to loss, they are used in different contexts. 損なう is about causing harm or detriment, while 損する is more about incurring a personal loss or disadvantage, often financially.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the long 'u' sound at the end.
- Incorrectly placing stress on an earlier syllable.
- Confusing the 'o' sound with a shorter, clipped vowel.
Difficulty Rating
At the B1 level, encountering 損なう in reading materials is common. Learners should be able to understand its meaning in context, especially when discussing health, reputation, or opportunities. Complex grammatical structures or highly specialized vocabulary surrounding it might increase difficulty, but the core meaning is usually decipherable.
Using 損なう in writing requires understanding its grammatical function (transitive verb) and choosing appropriate contexts. Learners at B1 might sometimes confuse it with similar verbs or use it in slightly unnatural ways, but they can generally construct grammatically correct sentences with it.
In spoken Japanese, learners at B1 can use 損なう to express harm or damage, particularly in familiar contexts like health. They might hesitate in more complex situations or when choosing between similar verbs. Active practice is key to fluency.
Recognizing 損なう when spoken is achievable for B1 learners, especially in common phrases like '健康を損なう'. The speed of speech and surrounding vocabulary can affect comprehension, but the word itself is distinct enough to be identified.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive Verbs and the particle を (o)
損なう is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. This object is marked by the particle を (o). For example, in '健康を損なう' (kenkō o sonau), '健康' (health) is the direct object being harmed.
Passive Voice with 〜われる (wareru) or 〜られる (rareru)
The passive form of 損なう is 損なわれる (sonawareru). This is used when the subject is being harmed, and the agent (who is doing the harming) is unknown or unimportant. Example: '信頼が損なわれた' (shinrai ga sonawareta - Trust was damaged).
The て-form for connecting clauses or indicating state
The て-form, 損なって (sonatte), can be used to connect actions or describe a state of being harmed. Example: '彼は健康を損なって、仕事ができなくなった' (Kare wa kenkō o sonatte, shigoto ga dekinaku natta - He harmed his health and became unable to work).
Potential Form 〜える (eru) / 〜られる (rareru)
The potential form is 損なえる (sonaeru). This means 'to be able to harm'. Example: 'その行為は多くの人の感情を損なえる' (Sono kōi wa ōku no hito no kanjō o sonaeru - That action can harm many people's feelings). However, this form is less common than the standard usage.
Causative Form 〜させる (saseru)
The causative form is 損なわせる (sonawaseru), meaning 'to make someone/something harm'. This is rarely used for 損なう, as it's more natural to use other verbs or phrasing for causing harm. For example, instead of saying 'I made him harm his health', one might say 'I made him overwork, which harmed his health'.
Examples by Level
熱いお湯で手を洗わないでください。手を損ないますよ。
Don't wash your hands with hot water. It will hurt/damage your hands.
Simple warning using the present tense to indicate a general consequence.
この薬は、お腹を損なわないように、食後に飲んでください。
Please drink this medicine after meals so it doesn't upset your stomach.
Using negative form (損なわない) with a purpose clause (ように).
古い車は、時々エンジンの調子を損ないます。
Old cars sometimes damage their engine's condition.
Describing a common problem with older objects.
無理なダイエットは、体を損なうかもしれません。
Extreme dieting might harm your body.
Using 〜かもしれません (might) to express possibility of harm.
雨が降ると、外で遊ぶ機会を損ないますね。
When it rains, we lose the opportunity to play outside, don't we?
Using the 〜ますね (ne) ending for a shared observation or mild complaint.
大切なものを損なわないように、気をつけてください。
Please be careful not to damage/lose important things.
A general cautionary phrase.
彼の無責任な行動は、友達との関係を損なった。
His irresponsible behavior damaged his relationship with his friends.
Past tense usage to describe a completed negative event.
この食べ物は、賞味期限を過ぎると味を損ないます。
This food's taste deteriorates after the expiration date.
Describing the deterioration of quality.
長時間のパソコン作業は、目の健康を損なう可能性がある。
Long hours of computer work can potentially harm eye health.
Using 可能性がある (kanōsei ga aru - there is a possibility) to express potential harm.
彼の度重なる遅刻は、チームの士気を損ねていた。
His repeated lateness had been damaging the team's morale.
Past continuous tense (損ねていた - sonetete ita) to describe a prolonged negative state.
不十分な準備は、せっかくの機会を損なう結果になる。
Insufficient preparation results in spoiling a precious opportunity.
Using 〜結果になる (kekka ni naru - result in) to link cause and effect.
そのスキャンダルは、企業のブランドイメージを大きく損なった。
That scandal significantly damaged the company's brand image.
Using 大きく (ōkiku - greatly) to emphasize the degree of damage.
無理な節約は、生活の質を損なうこともある。
Excessive saving can also degrade the quality of life.
Using 〜こともある (koto mo aru - sometimes) to indicate that harm is not always guaranteed but possible.
彼の軽率な発言は、長年築き上げた信頼関係を損ないかねない。
His careless remarks could easily damage the trust built over many years.
Using 〜かねない (kanenai - could easily, may well) to express a strong possibility of negative outcome.
環境破壊は、将来世代の生活基盤を損なう。
Environmental destruction damages the foundation of future generations' lives.
Discussing a serious societal issue.
この計画は、多くの人々の生活を損なう恐れがある。
This plan carries the risk of harming the lives of many people.
Using 〜恐れがある (osore ga aru - there is a fear/risk) to express potential negative impact.
過度なストレスは、自律神経のバランスを著しく損なう。
Excessive stress significantly impairs the balance of the autonomic nervous system.
Using 著しく (ichijirushiku - remarkably, significantly) to quantify the damage.
不適切な使用は、機器の性能を永続的に損なう可能性がある。
Improper use can permanently damage the equipment's performance.
Using 永続的に (eizōteki ni - permanently) to indicate long-lasting harm.
彼の不用意な行動が、長年培ってきた評判を損ねてしまった。
His careless actions ended up damaging the reputation built over many years.
Using 〜てしまった (te shimatta) to express regret or an unfortunate outcome.
この状況は、我々の交渉上の立場を損なうものだ。
This situation compromises our negotiating position.
Using 〜ものだ (mono da) to state a fact or a general truth about the situation.
文化遺産の不適切な保存は、その歴史的価値を損なう。
Improper preservation of cultural heritage diminishes its historical value.
Discussing cultural heritage and its value.
情報操作は、民主主義の根幹を損なう危険な行為である。
Information manipulation is a dangerous act that undermines the foundation of democracy.
Discussing political and societal issues.
急激な経済成長は、時に環境保護の努力を損なうことがある。
Rapid economic growth can sometimes undermine environmental protection efforts.
Highlighting potential conflicts between different societal goals.
彼の無計画な投資は、会社の財務基盤を損なうリスクをはらんでいた。
His unplanned investments carried the risk of damaging the company's financial foundation.
Using リスクをはらんでいた (risuku o harande ita - carried the risk) to describe potential future harm.
不十分な教育制度は、国家の人的資本の潜在能力を著しく損なう。
An inadequate education system significantly impairs the potential of a nation's human capital.
Using abstract and academic terminology like 'human capital' and 'potential'.
過度な介入は、外交関係における相互の信頼醸成プロセスを損ねる懸念がある。
There is concern that excessive intervention may damage the process of building mutual trust in diplomatic relations.
Discussing delicate diplomatic processes and trust-building.
権威主義的な統治は、市民社会の自律性を根本から損なう。
Authoritarian rule fundamentally undermines the autonomy of civil society.
Using advanced political science vocabulary.
技術革新の恩恵を享受する機会を損なわないためには、絶え間ない学習と適応が不可欠である。
Continuous learning and adaptation are essential to avoid missing the opportunity to benefit from technological innovation.
Framing the avoidance of loss as a proactive necessity.
誤った情報が拡散されることで、公衆衛生に関する正確な知識の浸透が損なわれる。
The penetration of accurate public health knowledge is compromised by the spread of misinformation.
Discussing the impact of misinformation on knowledge dissemination.
経済的合理性のみを追求する姿勢は、長期的な社会的包摂の理念を損なう。
An attitude that pursues only economic rationality undermines the principle of long-term social inclusion.
Analyzing the potential negative consequences of purely economic focus.
歴史的建造物の改修にあたっては、その本来の意匠を損なうことのないよう細心の注意が払われるべきだ。
When renovating historical buildings, utmost care should be taken not to damage their original design.
Focusing on preservation and meticulous detail.
グローバル化の進展は、地域文化の独自性を損なうという批判も存在する。
There are also criticisms that the advancement of globalization undermines the uniqueness of regional cultures.
Acknowledging critical perspectives and complex societal changes.
現代社会における情報過多は、個人の情報処理能力を損ない、意思決定の質を低下させる一因となりうる。
Information overload in modern society can impair individuals' information processing capabilities and contribute to a decline in the quality of decision-making.
Sophisticated analysis of societal phenomena and cognitive impact.
政治的安定性を欠く状況下での経済政策の実施は、長期的な発展の可能性を損なうリスクを内包する。
The implementation of economic policies in situations lacking political stability inherently carries the risk of damaging long-term development prospects.
Using precise academic language to describe complex risks.
個人のプライバシー侵害は、社会全体の信頼関係という基盤を損なうだけでなく、民主主義の根幹をも揺るがしかねない。
Infringement of individual privacy not only damages the foundation of societal trust but can also shake the very core of democracy.
Connecting individual rights to fundamental societal structures.
過度な市場原理の導入は、公共サービスの質を損なうという批判に直面することが少なくない。
The introduction of excessive market principles frequently faces criticism for damaging the quality of public services.
Analyzing critiques of policy implementations.
文化的多様性の維持は、グローバル化の波に抗し、各コミュニティ固有のアイデンティティを損なうことのないようにするための継続的な努力を要する。
Maintaining cultural diversity requires continuous effort to resist the waves of globalization and prevent the erosion of each community's unique identity.
Emphasizing the active struggle for preservation against powerful forces.
環境保全への投資を怠ることは、将来世代が享受できる資源の基盤を損なう、不可逆的な結果を招く。
Neglecting investment in environmental conservation leads to irreversible consequences that damage the foundation of resources available to future generations.
Highlighting the long-term, irreversible nature of environmental damage.
科学技術の進歩は、倫理的な配慮を伴わない限り、人間の尊厳という概念そのものを損なう危険性を孕む。
Unless accompanied by ethical considerations, advancements in science and technology harbor the danger of undermining the very concept of human dignity.
Exploring the ethical implications of technological progress.
国際社会における法の支配の原則が損なわれれば、平和と安定の維持は極めて困難になる。
If the principle of the rule of law in the international community is undermined, maintaining peace and stability becomes extremely difficult.
Discussing the foundational principles of international order.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To harm one's health.
無理なダイエットは健康を損なうことがある。
— To damage one's reputation.
不祥事は企業の評判を損なう。
— To lose the trust of others.
約束を破ると、人からの信頼を損なう。
— To miss an opportunity; to lose a chance.
準備不足で、せっかくの機会を損ねてしまった。
— To damage one's credibility or creditworthiness.
不正な取引は、会社の信用を損なう。
— To damage a relationship.
無神経な発言は、友人との関係を損なう可能性がある。
— To diminish the value of something.
不適切な管理は、美術品の価値を損なう。
— To impair one's condition or state (e.g., health, mood).
寝不足で体の調子を損ねている。
— To lose balance (physical or metaphorical, like work-life balance).
仕事に追われ、生活のバランスを損なわないように注意している。
— To impair or damage the function of something.
この病気は肝臓の機能を損なうことがあります。
Often Confused With
This is a very common point of confusion. 損する means to lose money or be at a disadvantage, whereas 損なう means to cause harm or damage. For example, '投資で損した' (I lost money in investment) uses 損した, but '健康を損なった' (I harmed my health) uses 損なった.
壊す means 'to break' or 'to destroy' physical objects. 損なう is typically used for more abstract things like health, reputation, or opportunities, or for damage that isn't complete destruction.
破る means 'to tear' or 'to break (e.g., a promise, a rule)'. It's more about physically tearing something or breaking a commitment, rather than causing general harm or damage.
Idioms & Expressions
— To lose face; to be disgraced; to suffer a loss of prestige or honor.
公の場で失敗し、面目を損なってしまった。
Formal— To lose vitality or vigor; to become lifeless or dull.
長引く病気で、彼の顔から生気が損なわれた。
Literary/Formal— Despite all medical efforts, to lose/harm... (e.g., health, life).
医師たちの努力もむなしく、患者の命は損なわれた。
Formal/Literary— To miss an opportunity; to lose a chance. (Note: This uses 損する, but is related in meaning to 機会を損なう).
決断を遅らせたことで、彼は大きな機会を損してしまった。
Neutral— To damage the essence or true nature of something.
過度な装飾は、工芸品の本来の本質を損なうことがある。
Formal— To spoil the atmosphere or charm of a place or situation.
騒がしい音楽は、静かな庭園の風情を損なう。
Neutral— To damage one's outward appearance or respectability; to lose face.
彼の失言は、会社の体裁を損なった。
Formal— To harm one's health. (This is a very common phrase, almost idiomatic in its frequency).
無理な働き方は、健康を損なう原因となる。
NeutralEasily Confused
Both words contain the kanji 損 (son) and relate to loss or damage.
損なう means to cause harm or damage to something (like health, reputation, or opportunities). It's about detriment. 損する means to incur a loss, typically financial, or to be at a disadvantage. It's about personal loss or failure to gain.
過労で健康を<strong>損なった</strong>。(I harmed my health due to overwork.) vs. この取引で<strong>損した</strong>。(I lost money in this deal.)
Both mean 'to harm' or 'to damage'.
損なう is often used for abstract things like health, reputation, or opportunities, and can imply spoiling or missing something. 害する is more direct about causing harm or injury, particularly to health, safety, or the environment. 損なう can sometimes have a slightly gentler or more indirect connotation than the direct 'harm' of 害する.
長時間の運動は、かえって体を<strong>害する</strong>ことがある。(Excessive exercise can, in fact, harm the body.) vs. 睡眠不足は健康を<strong>損なう</strong>。(Lack of sleep harms health.)
Both imply damage or destruction.
壊す is primarily for physical objects that are broken, shattered, or rendered non-functional. 損なう is used for damage to abstract concepts (health, reputation, trust, potential) or for causing a deterioration in quality or condition without necessarily breaking something completely.
コップを<strong>壊した</strong>。(I broke the glass.) vs. 彼の態度は場の雰囲気を<strong>損なった</strong>。(His attitude spoiled the atmosphere of the place.)
Both can refer to causing negative feelings or states.
傷つける means 'to wound' or 'to hurt', often implying physical injury or emotional pain. 損なう is broader; it can damage reputation, potential, or overall condition, not just inflict pain. While emotional harm can overlap, 損なう is more versatile for abstract damage.
彼の言葉は私の心を<strong>傷つけた</strong>。(His words hurt my heart.) vs. 彼の軽率な発言は、会社の評判を<strong>損なった</strong>。(His careless remarks damaged the company's reputation.)
Both can mean to ruin or spoil something.
台無しにする implies making something completely messed up, ruined, or useless, often due to carelessness or a mistake. It suggests a more thorough spoiling. 損なう can be more subtle, referring to diminishing value, quality, or potential, or missing an opportunity rather than completely ruining it.
雨でピクニックが<strong>台無しになった</strong>。(The picnic was ruined by the rain.) vs. 準備不足で、せっかくのチャンスを<strong>損ねてしまった</strong>。(Due to lack of preparation, I ended up missing the precious chance.)
Sentence Patterns
[Noun] を 損なう。
熱いお湯で手を<strong>損なわない</strong>でください。
[Noun] を 損なう 可能性がある。
長時間のパソコン作業は、目の健康を損なう可能性がある。
[Noun] を 損ねてしまった。
準備不足で、せっかくの機会を損ねてしまった。
[Noun] は [Noun] を 損なう。
過度なストレスは、自律神経のバランスを損なう。
[Noun] は [Noun] を 損なう 懸念がある。
情報漏洩は、企業の信用を損なう懸念がある。
[Noun] は [Noun] の [Noun] を 損なう。
不十分な教育制度は、国家の人的資本の潜在能力を損なう。
[Noun] は [Noun] を 損ねる 懸念がある。
過度な介入は、外交関係における相互の信頼醸成プロセスを損ねる懸念がある。
[Noun] は [Noun] を 損ない、[Noun] を 低下させる。
情報過多は、個人の情報処理能力を損ない、意思決定の質を低下させる。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Medium-High, especially in contexts discussing health, reputation, and consequences.
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Using 損する instead of 損なう for harm to health or reputation.
→
健康を損なう / 評判を損なう
損なう means to cause harm or damage. 損する means to lose money or be at a disadvantage. They are not interchangeable.
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Omitting the object particle を (o).
→
健康を損なう。
損なう is a transitive verb and requires a direct object marked by を (o). Saying '健康損なう' is grammatically incorrect.
-
Confusing 損なう with 壊す when talking about abstract damage.
→
彼の言葉は私の心を損なった。
壊す is for physical breaking. 損なう is for damage to abstract things like emotions, reputation, or health.
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Using 損なう for minor inconveniences.
→
For minor issues, simpler words might be better, or use 損ねる for a softer nuance.
損なう implies a significant negative impact. For very minor damage or inconvenience, other words might be more appropriate to avoid sounding overly dramatic.
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Using the wrong tense or aspect.
→
e.g., '私の健康は損なわれた' (passive, past) or '無理は健康を損なう' (general truth, present).
Ensure the tense and aspect (active/passive) match the intended meaning and timeframe of the harm.
Tips
Focus on Abstract Damage
Remember that 損なう is most frequently used for damage to abstract entities like health, reputation, trust, opportunities, or potential. While it can be used for physical items, it often implies a loss of value or quality rather than outright destruction.
Object is Key
Since 損なう is a transitive verb, always identify what is being harmed or damaged. This object will typically be followed by the particle を (o). Example: '健康を損なう' (harm health).
損なう vs. 損する
Crucially, distinguish 損なう (to harm/damage) from 損する (to lose money/be at a disadvantage). While both use the kanji 損, their meanings and applications are very different. Never use them interchangeably.
Listen for Negative Consequences
When listening to Japanese, pay attention to contexts where negative outcomes, harm, or loss are being discussed. This is where you are most likely to encounter 損なう.
Sentence Building
Practice creating sentences using common collocations like '健康を損なう' and '評判を損なう'. Try to incorporate them into your writing and speaking practice.
損ねる Variant
Be aware of the variant form 損ねる (soneru). It functions similarly to 損なう but can sometimes feel slightly softer or more casual. In many cases, they are interchangeable.
Visual Mnemonic
Use the mnemonic of a 'sun' (son) being 'nailed shut' (nau) to remember that it causes harm or damage. The 'loss' of the sun represents the 'loss' indicated by 損.
Expressing Regret
The past tense, especially with 〜てしまった (te shimatta), like 損ねてしまった (soneteshimatta), is often used to express regret about harming something or missing an opportunity. Example: '準備不足で、せっかくの機会を損ねてしまった' (I missed the precious chance due to lack of preparation).
Avoid Overuse
While a useful word, avoid overusing 損なう in very light, casual conversations. Native speakers might opt for simpler expressions depending on the context and the severity of the damage.
損なう vs. 壊す
Remember the distinction: 壊す is for physical breaking, while 損なう is for damage to abstract qualities, conditions, or potential.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'son'ny (sunny) day being 'nailed' shut (なう) by dark clouds, 'harming' the picnic. The 'son' sound reminds you of 'loss' or 'damage', and 'na-u' sounds like 'nailing it shut', implying an unfortunate end or harm.
Visual Association
Picture a healthy plant (representing health or potential) with a big red 'X' marked over it, showing it's been harmed or damaged. The 'X' can visually represent the 'loss' (損) associated with the verb.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three negative things that happened to you or someone you know this week, using 損なう. For example, 'My phone's screen was scratched, which 損なった its appearance.' or 'I stayed up too late and 損なった my energy for the next day.'
Word Origin
The verb 損なう is derived from the noun 損 (son), which means 'loss' or 'damage'. The suffix 〜なう (-nau) is an auxiliary verb that adds the meaning of 'to cause' or 'to bring about'. Therefore, 損なう literally means 'to cause loss' or 'to bring about damage'. The kanji 損 itself is composed of the radicals 'cash' (貝) and 'divide' (分), suggesting a division or loss of wealth.
Original meaning: To bring about loss or damage.
JaponicCultural Context
When discussing harm or damage, especially to health or reputation, it's important to be sensitive. 損なう is a direct verb for this, so use it appropriately and avoid causing unnecessary distress. In formal writing or speech, it's a standard term, but in very casual conversation, softer phrasing might be preferred.
In English, we might use verbs like 'to harm,' 'to damage,' 'to hurt,' 'to impair,' 'to spoil,' 'to ruin,' or 'to compromise' depending on the specific context. The Japanese 損なう covers a range of these meanings, often with a focus on abstract entities like health or reputation.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing personal health and well-being.
- 健康を損なう
- 体の調子を損なう
- 精神を損なう
- 体力を損なう
Talking about reputation, trust, and relationships.
- 評判を損なう
- 信頼を損なう
- 信用を損なう
- 関係を損なう
- 面目を損なう
Describing lost opportunities or spoiled chances.
- 機会を損なう
- チャンスを損なう
- 可能性を損なう
Analyzing the negative impact of actions or events.
- 価値を損なう
- 機能を損なう
- バランスを損なう
- 勢いを損なう
News reports and formal discussions about societal issues.
- 環境を損なう
- 経済を損なう
- 社会秩序を損なう
- 文化遺産を損なう
Conversation Starters
"最近、健康を損なわないように気をつけていることはありますか？"
"何かで評判を損ねてしまった経験はありますか？"
"過去に、準備不足で大切な機会を損ねてしまったことはありますか？"
"あなたの周りで、不注意な行動が誰かの信頼を損ねたという話を聞いたことがありますか？"
"もし、あなたが何かを損なってしまったら、それをどうやって取り戻そうとしますか？"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you or someone you know experienced a negative consequence due to a specific action, using the verb 損なう.
Reflect on something valuable (health, reputation, relationship) that you want to protect from being harmed. How can you prevent it from being 損なわれた?
Describe a situation where missing an opportunity had significant consequences. Use the phrase 機会を損なう.
Consider the concept of 'losing face' (面目を損なう). Write about a situation where maintaining dignity was important and what happened.
How do societal issues like pollution or misinformation 損なう the well-being of individuals or communities? Write your thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThis is a common point of confusion. 損なう is a verb that means 'to harm,' 'to damage,' or 'to impair,' often used for abstract things like health, reputation, or opportunities. For example, '健康を損なう' (to harm health). 損する, on the other hand, means 'to lose money,' 'to incur a loss,' or 'to be at a disadvantage.' It's primarily used in financial or strategic contexts. For example, '投資で損した' (I lost money in investment). So, 損なう is about causing detriment, while 損する is about personal loss or disadvantage.
While 損なう is more commonly used for abstract concepts, it can sometimes be used for physical objects if the damage is about diminishing their value, quality, or function rather than outright breaking them. For instance, '不適切な取り扱いは、美術品の価値を損なう' (Improper handling damages the value of art pieces). However, for direct physical breakage, verbs like 壊す (kowasu - to break) are more appropriate.
Yes, 損ねる is a variant form of 損なう. They are largely interchangeable, though 損ねる is sometimes perceived as slightly softer or more colloquial than 損なう. In many contexts, you can use either one. For example, '評判を損なう' and '評判を損ねる' both mean 'to damage one's reputation'.
You can 損なう many things, including: health (健康), reputation (評判), trust (信頼), creditworthiness (信用), relationships (関係), opportunities (機会, チャンス), value (価値), quality (質), function (機能), balance (バランス), atmosphere (雰囲気), and even abstract concepts like democracy (民主主義) or human dignity (人間の尊厳).
The passive form 損なわれる is used when the subject is the one being harmed or damaged, and the agent (the person or thing causing the harm) is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from the context. For example, '信頼が損なわれた' (Trust was damaged) implies that trust was damaged by someone or something, but the focus is on the damage itself.
The most common phrase is '機会を損なう' (kikai o sonau) or 'チャンスを損なう' (chansu o sonau). It means to lose or miss out on an opportunity. For example, '準備不足で、せっかくの機会を損ねてしまった' (Due to lack of preparation, I ended up missing the precious chance).
損なう is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. It's common in news reports, business contexts, and serious discussions. While it can be used in everyday conversation, very casual chat might opt for simpler expressions depending on the severity of the damage being described. Its variant 損ねる can sometimes feel a bit softer.
Yes, 損なう can be used with abstract concepts. For example, '情報操作は、民主主義の根幹を損なう' (Information manipulation undermines the foundation of democracy). This highlights its versatility in discussing societal and political impacts.
悪化させる means 'to make worse' or 'to aggravate' a condition or situation. 損なう means 'to cause harm or damage.' While making something worse can be a form of damage, 損なう is broader and can apply to things that weren't necessarily 'bad' to begin with but are now being harmed or diminished. For instance, a good reputation can be 損なわれた (damaged), while a bad situation can be 悪化させられた (made worse).
To avoid 損なう your health, you should maintain a balanced lifestyle. This includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Avoid excessive work, smoking, and drinking, as these are common causes of damaging one's health.
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Summary
損なう is a verb used to describe the act of causing harm, damage, or loss. It's frequently applied to abstract concepts like health, reputation, or trust, indicating that something valuable has been negatively affected. For example, '過労は健康を損なう' (Overwork harms health).
- 損なう means to damage or harm, especially health or reputation.
- It implies a negative impact or loss.
- Can also mean to miss an opportunity.
- Often used with abstract nouns like 'health' or 'trust'.
Focus on Abstract Damage
Remember that 損なう is most frequently used for damage to abstract entities like health, reputation, trust, opportunities, or potential. While it can be used for physical items, it often implies a loss of value or quality rather than outright destruction.
Object is Key
Since 損なう is a transitive verb, always identify what is being harmed or damaged. This object will typically be followed by the particle を (o). Example: '健康を損なう' (harm health).
損なう vs. 損する
Crucially, distinguish 損なう (to harm/damage) from 損する (to lose money/be at a disadvantage). While both use the kanji 損, their meanings and applications are very different. Never use them interchangeably.
Listen for Negative Consequences
When listening to Japanese, pay attention to contexts where negative outcomes, harm, or loss are being discussed. This is where you are most likely to encounter 損なう.
Example
健康を損なわないように気をつけましょう。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More health words
しばらく
B1For a while, for some time.
異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; unusual; irregular.
擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1Acupuncture and moxibustion; traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute
