When you're just starting out in Japanese, understanding verbs like 負ける (makeru) is really useful. It's a common verb that means 'to lose' or 'to be defeated.' You'll hear it a lot in everyday conversations, especially when people are talking about sports, games, or even arguments.
Think of it as the opposite of winning. If you play a game and don't win, then you 負けます (makemasu), you lose. It's important for beginners because it helps you express basic outcomes and results in a simple way.
When you're talking about competitions, games, or even arguments, 負ける (makeru) is the word you'll use to say someone 'loses' or 'is defeated.' It's a common verb that describes the outcome when one party isn't victorious.
You can also use 負ける to express a broader sense of 'suffering a loss,' not just in a competitive context. For example, if a business 'loses money,' you might hear this verb used. It’s a very practical word for many situations where there's a winner and a loser, or simply an unfavorable outcome.
When you encounter the verb 負ける (makeru), it means to lose, to be defeated, or to suffer a loss. This is a very practical word to know in many situations, from sports and games to business or even arguments.
For instance, if your favorite team doesn't win, you would say they 負けた (maketa). It can also describe a situation where you give in or concede to someone, like in a negotiation, meaning you 負けた (maketa) on that point.
When you are explaining what it means to lose, be defeated, or suffer a loss, you can use the verb 負ける (makeru). This versatile verb can be used in many contexts, from a sports match where a team loses, to a legal case where someone is defeated, or even to a situation where a business suffers a loss. It's a fundamental word to understand when discussing competition, outcomes, and unfortunate events.
負ける in 30 Seconds
- Not winning a game
- Being defeated in a contest
- Suffering a loss
§ Understanding 負ける (makeru)
Alright, let's break down 負ける (makeru). It's an important verb that you'll hear and use a lot in Japanese. At its core, it means 'to lose' or 'to be defeated.' Think about sports, games, arguments, or even just general competition.
It's a regular verb, specifically an ichidan verb (一段動詞), which means its conjugation pattern is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. You'll often see it used with particles like に (ni) to indicate who or what was lost to, or the object of defeat.
§ Basic Sentence Structures with 負ける (makeru)
The most common way to use 負ける is to simply state that someone or something lost.
- DEFINITION
- Subject は 負ける (Subject loses)
This is your basic, no-frills usage.
彼らは負けた。
Translation hint: They lost.
試合に負けた。
Translation hint: (I/We) lost the game.
§ Indicating Who or What You Lost To: Particle に (ni)
This is where the particle に (ni) comes in handy. It marks the opponent or the thing you were defeated by.
- DEFINITION
- Subject は Opponent に 負ける (Subject loses to Opponent)
私たちは強いチームに負けました。
Translation hint: We lost to the strong team.
彼は弟にゲームで負けた。
Translation hint: He lost to his younger brother in the game.
§ Using 負ける in Negative Sentences
To say 'not lose' or 'not be defeated,' you'll use the negative form of the verb, which for 負ける is 負けない (makenai).
- DEFINITION
- Subject は 負けない (Subject does not lose)
私は絶対に負けない！
Translation hint: I will definitely not lose!
彼らは簡単に負けないだろう。
Translation hint: They probably won't lose easily.
§ Common Phrases and Expressions with 負ける
負ける also appears in some fixed expressions. Let's look at a couple of useful ones.
負けず嫌い (makezugirai): This noun means 'a person who hates to lose' or 'competitive.' It literally combines 負ける (to lose) and 嫌い (to dislike).
彼女はとても負けず嫌いだ。
Translation hint: She is very competitive/hates to lose.
負けてたまるか (makete tamaruka): This is a strong, determined phrase meaning 'I won't give in!' or 'I'll never lose!' You use it when you're feeling very defiant.
こんなところで負けてたまるか！
Translation hint: There's no way I'm losing here!
§ Conjugation Basics of 負ける (makeru)
Since 負ける is an ichidan verb, its conjugations are consistent. Here are a few common forms:
Present/Future (Dictionary Form): 負ける (makeru) - to lose
Present/Future (Polite Form): 負けます (makemasu) - lose
Negative Form: 負けない (makenai) - not lose
Past Form: 負けた (maketa) - lost
Past Polite Form: 負けました (makemashita) - lost
Te-form: 負けて (makete) - used for connecting clauses, requests, etc.
昨日の試合、本当に負けて悔しかった。
Translation hint: Losing the game yesterday was really frustrating.
Keep practicing these structures and examples, and you'll be using 負ける like a pro in no time!
Let's talk about some common traps English speakers fall into when using 負ける (makeru). This word, while straightforward in its core meaning of 'to lose,' has nuances and contexts that can trip you up. Understanding these will help you use it more naturally and avoid awkward mistakes.
§ Mistake 1: Using 負ける for 'losing' an object
One of the most frequent errors is using 負ける when you mean to 'lose' an item, like your keys or your wallet. In English, 'lose' covers both competitive defeat and misplacing something. In Japanese, these are distinct.
When you lose an object, you should use other verbs like なくす (nakusu) or 紛失する (funshitsu suru). なくす is more common for everyday things, while 紛失する is a bit more formal, often used for official documents or in formal contexts.
財布をなくしてしまった。
Hint: I accidentally lost my wallet.
パスポートを紛失しました。
Hint: I lost my passport (formal).
§ Mistake 2: Overusing 負ける in casual arguments
While 負ける can mean to be defeated in an argument, using it too directly in casual conversation might sound a bit strong or overly dramatic. In English, we might say 'I lost the argument' quite easily. In Japanese, there are softer ways to express this, or contexts where 負ける feels more appropriate.
For instance, if you're just acknowledging someone made a good point, you might say: 'それは一理あるね' (Sore wa ichiri aru ne - That makes sense/You have a point) or simply 'そうだね' (Sou da ne - That's right).
However, if it's a heated debate or a formal discussion with clear sides, 負ける can be perfectly fine:
議論で彼に負けた。
Hint: I lost to him in the debate.
§ Mistake 3: Confusing 負ける with 'give up'
While 負ける can imply giving in or succumbing to something (like temptation or heat), it's not a direct equivalent for 'giving up' on a task or a goal. For 'giving up,' you'd typically use 諦める (akirameru).
- DEFINITION
- 諦める (akirameru): To give up, to abandon, to resign oneself to.
So, if you mean 'I gave up on my dream,' you would say:
夢を諦めた。
Hint: I gave up on my dream.
However, if you're talking about succumbing to temptation, 負ける is appropriate:
誘惑に負けてしまった。
Hint: I gave in to temptation.
§ Mistake 4: Incorrect particle usage
This is a common issue with many Japanese verbs. For 負ける, you generally use the particle に (ni) to indicate the opponent or the thing you are losing to.
- Opponent: 彼は私に負けた。(Kare wa watashi ni maketa. - He lost to me.)
- Circumstance/Temptation: 暑さに負ける。(Atsusa ni makeru. - To succumb to the heat.)
Using other particles like を (o) directly before the opponent would be incorrect for this verb. You are not 'losing the opponent' but 'losing to the opponent.' Pay close attention to this small but crucial detail.
§ Recap of key distinctions
To sum up, when using 負ける, always consider these points:
- It's for competitive defeat, not for misplacing objects.
- It can mean giving in or succumbing, but not 'giving up' on a goal (for which you use 諦める).
- Pay close attention to particle usage, especially with に for the opponent or cause of defeat.
By keeping these distinctions in mind, you'll be well on your way to using 負ける accurately and naturally in your Japanese conversations. Keep practicing, and don't let these nuances defeat you!
How Formal Is It?
"戦いに敗北しました。 (Tatakai ni haiboku shimashita.) - I was defeated in the battle."
"試合に負けました。 (Shiai ni makemashita.) - I lost the game."
"また負けちゃったよ。 (Mata makechatta yo.) - I lost again."
"ゲームで負けちゃった。 (Geemu de makechatta.) - I lost in the game."
"これもう負け確だろ。 (Kore mou makekaku daro.) - This is definitely a loss already."
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'u' at the end too strongly; it's often devoiced.
Grammar to Know
When expressing who or what something is lost to, use the particle に (ni).
試合に負ける (shiai ni makeru) - to lose a game
When talking about losing a competition or battle, 負ける (makeru) is the appropriate verb.
敵に負ける (teki ni makeru) - to be defeated by an enemy
The potential form of 負ける (makeru) is 負けられる (makerareru), meaning "can be defeated" or "can lose."
彼には負けられない (kare ni wa makerarenai) - I can't lose to him.
To express that someone doesn't give up easily or is a bad loser, you can use 負けず嫌い (makezugirai).
彼女は負けず嫌いだ (kanojo wa makezugirai da) - She's a sore loser / She hates to lose.
When talking about giving in or being persuaded, 負ける (makeru) can also be used in phrases like 誘惑に負ける (yuuwaku ni makeru).
誘惑に負ける (yuuwaku ni makeru) - to succumb to temptation
Examples by Level
試合に負ける。
to lose the game
彼はいつもじゃんけんで負ける。
He always loses at rock-paper-scissors.
テストで悪い点を取り、負けた気持ちになった。
I got a bad score on the test and felt defeated.
議論で相手に負ける。
to lose to an opponent in an argument
競争相手に負けないように頑張る。
I'll do my best not to lose to my competitor.
今日は暑さに負けそうだ。
I feel like I'm going to lose to the heat today.
疲れて、睡魔に負けてしまった。
I was tired and gave in to sleepiness.
この勝負に負けるわけにはいかない。
I cannot lose this match.
試合に負けてしまったが、次は必ず勝つ。
I lost the game, but next time I'll definitely win.
議論で彼に負けるわけにはいかない。
I can't afford to lose to him in the argument.
何度負けても、諦めずに挑戦し続けることが大切だ。
Even if you lose many times, it's important to keep trying without giving up.
競争に負けて、悔しい思いをした。
I lost in the competition and felt frustrated.
どんなに強くても、いつかは年老いて病に負ける。
No matter how strong you are, eventually you'll grow old and succumb to illness.
彼の熱意に負けて、手伝うことにした。
I gave in to his enthusiasm and decided to help.
誘惑に負けて、ついつい食べ過ぎてしまった。
I succumbed to temptation and ended up overeating.
時間との戦いに負けて、間に合わなかった。
I lost the battle against time and didn't make it in time.
彼はいつもゲームに負けても笑顔を絶やさない。
He always smiles even when he loses a game.
どんなに頑張っても、彼女には勝てないと感じた。
No matter how hard I tried, I felt I couldn't beat her.
今回の失敗で、彼らは市場での競争に負けてしまった。
With this failure, they lost the competition in the market.
交渉に負けるわけにはいかない。全力を尽くそう。
We can't afford to lose this negotiation. Let's give it our all.
チームは決勝戦で強敵に負けてしまった。
The team lost to a strong opponent in the final match.
自分の弱さに負けて、夢を諦めてしまった。
I gave in to my weakness and gave up on my dream.
彼はいつも口論で妻に負けている。
He always loses to his wife in arguments.
病気に負けず、最後まで希望を持ち続けた。
She didn't give in to her illness and held onto hope until the very end.
Idioms & Expressions
"負けず嫌い (makezugirai)"
Being a sore loser, competitive, not liking to lose.
彼女はとても負けず嫌いなので、ゲームで負けるといつも悔しがる。 (Kanojo wa totemo makezugirai nanode, gēmu de makeru to itsumo kuyashigaru.) - She's such a sore loser, she always gets frustrated when she loses a game.
neutral"負け戦 (makeikusa)"
A losing battle, a lost cause.
このプロジェクトは最初から負け戦だった。 (Kono purojekuto wa saisho kara makeikusa datta.) - This project was a losing battle from the start.
neutral"負け惜しみ (makeoshimi)"
Sour grapes, making excuses for losing.
彼は負け惜しみを言っているだけだ。 (Kare wa makeoshimi o itteiru dake da.) - He's just making excuses for losing.
neutral"負け犬 (makeinu)"
A loser, a defeated person (literally 'defeated dog').
負け犬になるな！ (Makeinu ni naru na!) - Don't be a loser!
informal"負けるが勝ち (makeru ga kachi)"
Sometimes losing is winning, sometimes it's better to give in.
彼と議論しても無駄だ。ここは負けるが勝ちだ。 (Kare to giron shitemo muda da. Koko wa makeru ga kachi da.) - It's pointless to argue with him. Sometimes it's better to give in.
neutral"負けず劣らず (makezuotorazu)"
Just as good as, no less than, equally matched.
彼は兄に負けず劣らずの才能がある。 (Kare wa ani ni makezuotorazu no sainō ga aru.) - He has talent no less than his older brother.
formal"負けを認める (make o mitomeru)"
To admit defeat, to concede.
彼は潔く負けを認めた。 (Kare wa isagiyoku make o mitometa.) - He gracefully admitted defeat.
neutral"負けじ魂 (makejidamashii)"
Unyielding spirit, fighting spirit.
彼の負けじ魂がチームを勝利に導いた。 (Kare no makejidamashii ga chīmu o shōri ni michibiita.) - His unyielding spirit led the team to victory.
formal"一歩も引けを取らない (ippo mo hike o toranai)"
Not to yield an inch, not to be inferior.
彼女は誰にも一歩も引けを取らない。 (Kanojo wa dare ni mo ippo mo hike o toranai.) - She doesn't yield an inch to anyone.
neutral"負けるもんか (makeru mon ka)"
I won't lose!, No way I'm losing!
こんなことで負けるもんか！ (Konna koto de makeru mon ka!) - I won't lose to something like this!
informalWord Family
Nouns
How to Use It
When you use 負ける (makeru), you're talking about losing in a game, competition, or even an argument. It can also mean to be defeated by someone or something. Think of it as the opposite of 勝つ (katsu), which means to win.
You might use it like this:
- 試合に負ける (shiai ni makeru) - to lose a game
- 彼に負ける (kare ni makeru) - to be defeated by him
- 病気に負ける (byouki ni makeru) - to succumb to an illness
A common mistake is confusing 負ける (makeru) with other verbs that express failure or defeat in a different sense. For instance:
- 失敗する (shippai suru): This means to fail at something you were trying to do, like failing an exam or failing to achieve a goal. It's about not succeeding in an endeavor, not necessarily being defeated by an opponent.
- 諦める (akirameru): This means to give up or abandon hope. While losing might lead to giving up, 諦める focuses on the act of quitting rather than the state of being defeated.
Tips
Basic Meaning of 負ける
At its core, 負ける (makeru) means to lose or to be defeated. Think of it like losing a game or a competition.
Using with Games and Sports
You'll often hear 負ける when talking about sports, games, or any kind of contest. For example, 試合に負ける (shiai ni makeru) means to lose a match.
Expressing Defeat to an Opponent
If you want to say you lost to someone, you'd use the particle に (ni). So, 彼に負ける (kare ni makeru) means to lose to him.
Beyond Games: Suffering a Loss
負ける can also mean to suffer a loss in a broader sense, like losing money in a business venture or suffering a defeat in an argument. For instance, 商売に負ける (shoubai ni makeru) means to lose in business.
Conjugation: Present Negative
To say 'do not lose' or 'will not lose', you conjugate it to 負けない (makenai). This is a common form to express a lack of defeat.
Conjugation: Past Tense
The past tense of 負ける is 負けた (maketa), meaning lost or was defeated. For example, 昨日の試合に負けた (kinou no shiai ni maketa) means lost yesterday's game.
Not for Losing Objects
Important: 負ける is not used for losing objects like your keys or phone. For that, you would use なくす (nakusu). Don't confuse them!
Related Word: 負け (make)
The noun form, 負け (make), means a loss or defeat. For instance, 負けを認める (make o mitomeru) means to admit defeat.
Opposite Word: 勝つ (katsu)
The direct opposite of 負ける is 勝つ (katsu), which means to win. Learning them together helps reinforce their meanings.
Figurative Use: Giving In
In some contexts, 負ける can also mean to give in or yield, especially to temptation or pressure. For example, 誘惑に負ける (yuuwaku ni makeru) means to give in to temptation.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a **MA**n **KE**eping a **RU**bber duck, but he keeps losing it! 'Makeru' - to lose.
Visual Association
Picture a sumo wrestler (a very Japanese image!) being pushed out of the ring – he's clearly *makeru* (losing).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to create three sentences using 負ける. One about a game, one about a personal struggle, and one about a competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth can mean 'to lose', but 負ける (makeru) specifically means 'to lose' in a competition, game, or a fight. It implies being defeated. 失う (ushinau) means 'to lose' something (like an object or a person), or to lose a quality or status. For example, you'd use 負ける for losing a soccer game, but 失う for losing your keys.
You can use it like this:
試合に負けた。 (Shiai ni makeru.) - I lost the game.
彼は私に負けた。 (Kare wa watashi ni makeru.) - He lost to me.
Mostly, yes. It's about being defeated or coming in second (or worse). It can also be used in a more metaphorical sense, like 'losing to temptation' (誘惑に負ける - yuuwaku ni makeru).
The polite form is 負けます (makemasu). This is the -masu form, which you use in most polite conversations.
The plain past tense is 負けた (maketa). The polite past tense is 負けました (makemashita).
Yes, but in a specific way. For example, a machine might 'lose' to another machine in a competition, or someone might 'lose' to a disease (病気に負ける - byouki ni makeru). It's still about being overcome or defeated.
The plain negative form is 負けない (makenai). The polite negative form is 負けません (makemasen).
A very common one is 負けずに勝つ (makezu ni katsu), which means 'to win without losing' or 'to win undefeated'. Also, 負けず嫌い (makezugirai) describes someone who hates to lose.
They are opposites! 負ける (makeru) means 'to lose', while 勝つ (katsu) means 'to win'. If you understand one, you understand the other.
No, it cannot. For 'to lose weight', you would use 痒せる (yaseru) or 体重が減る (taijyuu ga heru). Remember, 負ける is about being defeated or suffering a loss in a competitive sense.
Test Yourself 96 questions
The speaker lost something.
The speaker is sad about the test result.
The speaker expresses a desire about a game.
Read this aloud:
私は負けません。
Focus: 負けません (makemasen)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
彼はいつも試合に負けます。
Focus: 負けます (makemasu)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
負けるのは嫌です。
Focus: 負ける (makeru)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence about losing a game in Japanese. You can use '負ける'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私はゲームに負けた。
Translate 'I don't want to lose' into Japanese. Use '負ける'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
負けたくない。
Write a simple Japanese sentence expressing that a team lost.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
チームが負けた。
Aさんはどうでしたか？
Read this passage:
Aさんはゲームをしました。でも、Aさんはゲームに負けました。Aさんは少し悲しかったです。
Aさんはどうでしたか？
パッセージによると、Aさんはゲームに負けました。
パッセージによると、Aさんはゲームに負けました。
筆者は何に負けましたか？
Read this passage:
昨日、私はテニスをしました。私はあまり上手じゃないので、試合に負けました。でも、楽しかったです。
筆者は何に負けましたか？
筆者はテニスの試合に負けました。
筆者はテニスの試合に負けました。
彼らはいつも勝ちますか？
Read this passage:
彼らは競争が好きです。でも、いつも勝つわけではありません。時々、彼らは負けます。
彼らはいつも勝ちますか？
パッセージには「いつも勝つわけではありません。時々、彼らは負けます。」とあります。
パッセージには「いつも勝つわけではありません。時々、彼らは負けます。」とあります。
試合で___のは悔しいです。(It's frustrating to ___ in a game.)
The sentence expresses frustration about losing in a game. 負ける (makeru) means 'to lose' or 'to be defeated'.
彼はいつもジャンケンで___。(He always ___ at rock-paper-scissors.)
The sentence implies he is not good at rock-paper-scissors and often loses. 負ける (makeru) is the correct verb here.
もし競争で___たら、次にもっと頑張ります。(If I ___ in the competition, I'll try harder next time.)
This sentence is about reflecting on a loss and vowing to try harder, so 'if I lose' (負けたら) is appropriate.
ゲームで___のは嫌いじゃない。(I don't dislike ___ in games.)
The speaker is expressing that they don't mind losing in games. 負けること (makeru koto) means 'the act of losing'.
仕事で___のは経験になります。(___ at work becomes experience.)
This proverb-like sentence suggests that even setbacks (losing) at work can be valuable experience. 負けること (makeru koto) fits this meaning.
小さい戦いに___ても、最終的な目標は達成できる。(Even if you ___ a small battle, the ultimate goal can be achieved.)
This implies that minor losses don't prevent overall success. 負けて (makete) means 'even if you lose'.
試合で負けるのは残念です。
In the context of a game (試合), '負ける' means to lose or be defeated. So, '試合で負けるのは残念です' means 'It's a shame to lose the game.'
彼はいつもゲームで私に負ける。
When referring to a person (彼) and a game (ゲーム), '負ける' means to lose to someone. Thus, '彼はいつもゲームで私に負ける' means 'He always loses to me in games.'
この戦いに負けるわけにはいかない。
In the context of a fight (戦い), '負ける' means to be defeated. '〜わけにはいかない' indicates that something cannot be done. Therefore, 'この戦いに負けるわけにはいかない' translates to 'We cannot lose this fight.'
「負ける」は、勝つことと同じ意味です。
「負ける」 (makeru) means to lose or be defeated, while 「勝つ」 (katsu) means to win. They are antonyms, not synonyms.
「負ける」は、何かを失う状況で使われることがあります。
「負ける」 can mean to suffer a loss, which is a situation where you lose something. For example, in business, one might 'lose money' or 'suffer a loss' (損をする) which is related to the broader concept of '負ける'.
テストで「負ける」は、「テストに合格する」という意味です。
When used with a test (テスト), 「負ける」 (makeru) would imply failing or performing poorly, not passing (合格する).
Imagine you participated in a game and unfortunately lost. Write a short sentence in Japanese expressing that you lost. (Hint: Use '負ける' in its past tense form).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
試合に負けました。
You are cheering for a friend in a competition. Write a short sentence in Japanese telling them not to lose. (Hint: Use the negative imperative form of '負ける').
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
頑張って、負けないで！
Someone asks you if you like winning or losing. Write a short Japanese sentence stating that you don't like losing. (Hint: Use '負ける' with '好きじゃない').
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
負けるのは好きじゃないです。
Bさんは昨日のテニスの試合でどうなりましたか？
Read this passage:
A: 昨日のテニスの試合、どうだった？ B: 残念ながら、負けました。でも、楽しかったです。
Bさんは昨日のテニスの試合でどうなりましたか？
Bさんが「残念ながら、負けました」と言っているので、試合に負けたことがわかります。
Bさんが「残念ながら、負けました」と言っているので、試合に負けたことがわかります。
この文で、「負けない」は何を意味していますか？
Read this passage:
彼はどんなに大変な状況でも、決して夢を負けないと決めていました。
この文で、「負けない」は何を意味していますか？
文脈から「どんなに大変な状況でも」とあるので、夢を「諦めない」という意味で使われています。
文脈から「どんなに大変な状況でも」とあるので、夢を「諦めない」という意味で使われています。
この文の「負けました」は何回起きましたか？
Read this passage:
私たちはそのゲームで何度も負けましたが、最終的には勝ちました。
この文の「負けました」は何回起きましたか？
「何度も負けましたが」とあるので、数回負けたことがわかります。
「何度も負けましたが」とあるので、数回負けたことがわかります。
This sentence means 'I lost the game.' '試合' (shiai) means game, 'に' (ni) is a particle indicating the object of the verb, and '負けました' (makemashita) is the past tense of '負ける' (makeru) meaning to lose.
This sentence means 'He never loses.' '彼' (kare) means he, 'は' (wa) is a topic particle, 'ずっと' (zutto) means always/forever, and '負けない' (makenai) is the negative form of '負ける' (makeru).
This sentence means 'I don't want to lose to the enemy.' '敵' (teki) means enemy, 'に' (ni) is a particle, '負けた' (maketa) is the past tense of '負ける' (makeru), and 'くない' (kunai) makes it a negative desire.
試合に___、残念だったね。(It's a shame we lost the game.)
The context '残念だったね' (It's a shame) implies a negative outcome like losing.
彼はいつも議論で人に___ことを嫌がる。(He always hates to lose to others in an argument.)
The phrase '嫌がる' (hates to) indicates a negative feeling towards 'losing' in a discussion.
ビジネスで大きな___を喫した。(He suffered a big loss in business.)
'喫した' (suffered) is often used with negative outcomes like '負け' (loss).
どんなに強い相手でも、決して___とは限らない。(No matter how strong the opponent, it doesn't necessarily mean you will lose.)
The phrase 'とは限らない' (not necessarily) suggests that losing is not a certainty, despite a strong opponent.
この戦いに___わけにはいかない。(We cannot afford to lose this battle.)
'わけにはいかない' (cannot afford to) indicates a strong impossibility or undesirability of losing.
彼女はどんな小さなゲームでも___のが嫌いだ。(She hates to lose even in small games.)
Similar to a previous example, '嫌いだ' (hates) implies a dislike for 'losing'.
Choose the correct sentence using 「負ける」:
「負ける」は「〜に」の助詞と一緒に使われ、「〜に負ける」で「〜に敗れる」という意味になります。
Which of the following describes a situation where you would use 「負ける」?
「負ける」は競争や試合に敗れるだけでなく、議論などで自分の意見を曲げたり、相手に譲歩する場合にも使われます。
Which sentence means 'Don't give up!'?
「負けないでください」は「負けないでほしい」という気持ちを表し、相手を励ますときに使います。
「負ける」 can only be used when someone loses in a game.
「負ける」はゲームだけでなく、競争、議論、あるいは比喩的に何かに屈する場合など、広い意味で「敗れる」ことを表します。
If you say 「彼に負けた」, it means 'I lost to him.'
「〜に負ける」は「〜に敗れる」という意味で、この文は「彼に負けた」と正しく解釈できます。
「負けない」 means 'to win'.
「負けない」は「負ける」の否定形なので、「負けない」は「負けない、負けずにいる」という意味で、「勝つ」とは異なります。
Imagine you're coaching a sports team. Write a short message to your team after they've lost a tough game, encouraging them to not give up. Use 負ける at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
みんな、今日の試合は残念だったけど、私たちはまだ成長できる。一度負けることはあっても、諦めずに次の試合に向けて練習しよう。
You are discussing a recent competition with a friend. Write a sentence explaining why your favorite contestant lost, using 負ける.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼が負けるのは残念だったけど、相手が本当に強かったんだ。
Write a short paragraph about a time you tried something new and didn't succeed, but learned something important. Use 負ける to describe the initial outcome.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
新しいプログラミング言語に挑戦した時、最初は全くできなくて、まるで自分に負けるような気分だった。でも、その経験から諦めないことの大切さを学んだ。
Aさんはどんな人ですか？
Read this passage:
Aさんはいつもチェスで私に負ける。しかし、彼はいつも努力し、少しずつ強くなっている。いつか彼に勝つのは難しくなるだろう。
Aさんはどんな人ですか？
パッセージには「いつもチェスで私に負ける。しかし、彼はいつも努力し、少しずつ強くなっている」と書かれています。
パッセージには「いつもチェスで私に負ける。しかし、彼はいつも努力し、少しずつ強くなっている」と書かれています。
このパッセージの主なメッセージは何ですか？
Read this passage:
人生で失敗することは誰にでもある。大切なのは、失敗から学び、次に活かすことだ。一度負けることがあっても、それが終わりではない。
このパッセージの主なメッセージは何ですか？
「大切なのは、失敗から学び、次に活かすことだ。一度負けることがあっても、それが終わりではない」という部分がメッセージを伝えています。
「大切なのは、失敗から学び、次に活かすことだ。一度負けることがあっても、それが終わりではない」という部分がメッセージを伝えています。
彼らはテニスの試合でどんな態度を示していますか？
Read this passage:
彼らはいつもテニスで私たちに負けるが、それでも試合を楽しんでいる。彼らのスポーツに対する姿勢は素晴らしい。
彼らはテニスの試合でどんな態度を示していますか？
パッセージには「彼らはいつもテニスで私たちに負けるが、それでも試合を楽しんでいる」と明記されています。
パッセージには「彼らはいつもテニスで私たちに負けるが、それでも試合を楽しんでいる」と明記されています。
This sentence means 'He lost the game.' '彼' (kare) is 'he', '試合に' (shiai ni) means 'in the game', and '負けた' (maketa) is the past tense of 'to lose'.
This means 'Please don't give up and don't lose.' '諦めずに' (akiramezu ni) means 'without giving up', '負けないで' (makenaide) means 'don't lose', and 'ください' (kudasai) makes it a polite request.
This sentence means 'I lost to him in the match.' '私' (watashi) is 'I', '彼に' (kare ni) means 'to him', '勝負で' (shoubu de) means 'in the match', and '負けた' (maketa) is 'lost'.
試合に___、彼はがっかりした。
Contextually, 'がっかりした' (was disappointed) implies a negative outcome like losing.
どんな困難にも___ことのない強い心を持っている。
'どんな困難にも負けることのない' means 'never losing to any difficulty,' signifying resilience.
競争相手に___、市場シェアを失った。
'市場シェアを失った' (lost market share) is a result of being defeated by competitors.
彼はいつも弱者に___、助けの手を差し伸べる。
The phrase '弱者に負けず' implies not letting the weak be defeated or helping them so they don't lose.
多くの努力をしたが、最終的には病気に___しまった。
'病気に負けてしまった' means 'succumbed to the illness,' indicating defeat.
いくら強い相手でも、決して___とは限らない。
'決して負けるとは限らない' means 'it's not always the case that you'll lose,' implying hope for victory.
試合に負けることは誰にでもある経験です。
文脈から、試合の結果として「負ける」が適切です。
論争で彼に____のは悔しかった。
「悔しかった」という感情から、論争で「負けた」ことがわかります。
このゲームでは、一度でも攻撃されるとすぐに____。
「攻撃されると」という条件から、ゲームで「負ける」ことが示唆されます。
「負ける」は、何かで優位に立つことを意味する。
「負ける」は優位に立つことではなく、劣勢になることや敗北を意味します。
議論で意見が通らない場合、「負ける」という言葉を使うことができる。
議論で自分の意見が通らない、あるいは相手に論破されることを「負ける」と表現できます。
競争相手がいない場合でも、「負ける」という表現を使うことができる。
「負ける」は通常、競争相手がいる状況や、何らかの比較において劣位になったときに使われる言葉です。
Even with great effort, he always seems to lose in competitions.
For this project, we cannot afford to miss the deadline.
In the argument, I was defeated by his logical explanation and couldn't say anything back.
Read this aloud:
プロの選手に負けるのは当然だ。
Focus: プロの選手に負けるのは当然だ
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
試合に負けても、大切な経験を得た。
Focus: 試合に負けても、大切な経験を得た
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
自分に負けないで、最後まで頑張ろう。
Focus: 自分に負けないで、最後まで頑張ろう
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you're a coach. Your team just lost a tough game. Write a short message to your team, using 「負ける」 to explain what happened and how you'll move forward.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
みんな、昨日の試合は本当に残念だった。でも、負けることから学ぶことは多い。この経験を次に活かして、もっと強くなろう。顔を上げて、また練習だ！
Write a diary entry about a personal challenge you faced and how you felt after losing or failing at something important to you. Use 「負ける」 in your entry.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今日は本当に悔しい一日だった。長い間準備してきたプレゼンテーションがうまくいかず、まるで自分自身が負けるような感覚だった。でも、この敗北から何かを学び、次こそは成功させたい。
You are writing a short motivational speech. Include a sentence using 「負ける」 to express that sometimes losing is a necessary part of growth.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
人生には、時として負けることもあるでしょう。しかし、その敗北こそが、私たちを成長させるための貴重な糧となるのです。決して諦めずに、前を向いて進みましょう。
この文章から、ビジネスにおける「負ける」ことについて何が言えますか？
Read this passage:
ビジネスの世界では、一度や二度負けることは珍しくありません。重要なのは、その失敗から何を学び、次へとどう繋げていくかです。成功者と呼ばれる人々も、多くの敗北を経験しています。
この文章から、ビジネスにおける「負ける」ことについて何が言えますか？
文章は「一度や二度負けることは珍しくありません」と述べ、その失敗から学ぶことの重要性を強調しています。
文章は「一度や二度負けることは珍しくありません」と述べ、その失敗から学ぶことの重要性を強調しています。
筆者はボードゲームで負けたことについてどう感じていますか？
Read this passage:
友人とボードゲームをしていた時、私は完全に負けてしまった。しかし、そのおかげで友人の新しい戦略を学ぶことができた。負けることは、いつも悪いことばかりではないと改めて感じた。
筆者はボードゲームで負けたことについてどう感じていますか？
文章には「そのおかげで友人の新しい戦略を学ぶことができた。負けることは、いつも悪いことばかりではないと改めて感じた」とあります。
文章には「そのおかげで友人の新しい戦略を学ぶことができた。負けることは、いつも悪いことばかりではないと改めて感じた」とあります。
政治家にとって、選挙で「負ける」ことは常にどのような意味を持ちますか？
Read this passage:
選挙で負けることは、政治家にとって大きな打撃です。しかし、中にはその敗北を乗り越え、より強くなって戻ってくる人もいます。彼らにとって、負けることは終わりではなく、新たな始まりなのです。
政治家にとって、選挙で「負ける」ことは常にどのような意味を持ちますか？
文章は「大きな打撃です」としながらも、「その敗北を乗り越え、より強くなって戻ってくる人もいます」と述べています。
文章は「大きな打撃です」としながらも、「その敗北を乗り越え、より強くなって戻ってくる人もいます」と述べています。
This sentence means 'No matter how much he tries, he doesn't always win; sometimes he loses.' The key is understanding the flow of 'どんなに〜ても' (no matter how much ~), '常に〜とは限らない' (doesn't always ~), and '負けることもある' (sometimes loses).
The sentence translates to 'In order to survive in this tough market, we cannot afford to lose the competition.' '〜わけにはいかない' indicates that one cannot do something due to circumstances or duty.
This means 'Even if we lose this time, it will be food for the next victory.' '〜としても' (even if ~) and '糧となる' (to become nourishment/food for thought) are important phrases here.
交渉の決裂により、わが社は大きな損失を___。
「損失を被る」は「損失をこうむる」と読み、「損失を受ける」という意味になります。動詞の「負ける」は主に「勝負に負ける」や「競争に負ける」といった文脈で使われます。
この論争では、双方ともに明確な勝者がなく、結局のところ、全員が___と言えるだろう。
「全員が負けた」は、誰も得をしなかった、という文脈で使われる表現です。より自然な日本語のニュアンスに合致します。
長年の努力も虚しく、そのプロジェクトは最終的に競争に___。
競争に勝つ・負けるという文脈では、「負ける」が最も一般的で自然です。「敗北した」も使えますが、より硬い表現です。
彼の傲慢な態度は、結局のところ、彼自身の信用を___ことになった。
「信用を損なう」は「信用を失う」「信用を傷つける」という意味で、よく使われる表現です。ここでは「負ける」は適切ではありません。
どんなに厳しい状況でも、決して希望を___はいけない。
「希望を失う」は「希望がなくなる」という意味で、非常によく使われる表現です。「負ける」は感情や精神状態を失うことには使いません。
投資の世界では、リスク管理を怠ると、一瞬にして全財産を___こともある。
「全財産を失ってしまう」は「全財産がなくなる」という意味で、ここでは最も自然な表現です。「負ける」は通常、財産そのものを失うことには使いません。
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Perfect score!
Summary
負ける (makeru) is a common verb to express losing or being defeated in various situations.
- Not winning a game
- Being defeated in a contest
- Suffering a loss
Basic Meaning of 負ける
At its core, 負ける (makeru) means to lose or to be defeated. Think of it like losing a game or a competition.
Using with Games and Sports
You'll often hear 負ける when talking about sports, games, or any kind of contest. For example, 試合に負ける (shiai ni makeru) means to lose a match.
Expressing Defeat to an Opponent
If you want to say you lost to someone, you'd use the particle に (ni). So, 彼に負ける (kare ni makeru) means to lose to him.
Beyond Games: Suffering a Loss
負ける can also mean to suffer a loss in a broader sense, like losing money in a business venture or suffering a defeat in an argument. For instance, 商売に負ける (shoubai ni makeru) means to lose in business.
Related Content
More history words
王朝
A2A succession of rulers from the same family.
人物
A2A person, especially one of importance or character.
貴重な
A2Valuable, precious, or priceless.
歴史的
A2Historical, pertaining to history, or historic.
中世の
B1Relating to the Middle Ages (roughly 5th to 15th century).
重要な
A2Of great significance or value.
歴史家
B1A historian, a person who studies and writes about the past.
一方で
A2On the other hand, meanwhile, or while.
〜世紀
A2A suffix indicating a specific century.
将軍
B1A shogun, a military dictator of Japan during feudal times.
