損をする in 30 Seconds
- The Japanese phrase 'son o suru' means to incur a loss or suffer damage.
- It applies to financial losses, wasted time, effort, or missed opportunities.
- Commonly used in everyday conversations, news, and business contexts.
- The opposite is 'toku o suru' (to gain or benefit).
The Japanese phrase 「損をする」 (son o suru) is a fundamental expression that directly translates to 'to incur a loss' or 'to suffer damage.' It's used in a wide variety of situations, both literal and figurative, to describe a negative outcome where one ends up with less than they started with, either financially, materially, or even in terms of time or effort. Think of it as the opposite of gaining something or breaking even. It signifies a disadvantageous situation where you've experienced a deficit.
- Literal Financial Loss
- This is the most common usage. If you buy something and its value immediately drops, or if an investment doesn't pay off as expected, you have incurred a financial loss. For example, if you buy a stock and its price plummets, you've 'son o shita.'
- Wasted Effort or Time
- Beyond just money, this phrase can also describe situations where your efforts were in vain, leading to a loss of time or energy. If you spend hours trying to fix something only to realize it's beyond repair, or if you go to a store and it's closed after a long trip, you might feel you've 'son o shita.'
- Missed Opportunities
- Sometimes, not taking an action can also lead to a loss if a better outcome was possible. For instance, if you had the chance to buy something at a discount but didn't, and later the price increased significantly, you might regret that you 'son o shinakatta' (didn't incur a loss) by not acting sooner, or conversely, if you bought it at the higher price, you did 'son o suru'.
- Unfavorable Deals or Trades
- When negotiating or making a trade, if the outcome is clearly disadvantageous to you, that's when you've 'son o suru'. This could be in business deals, bartering, or even informal exchanges.
A: この株は買うべきではなかった。大きく損をしてしまった。
B: それは残念だったね。
B: Sore wa zannen datta ne.
B: That's too bad.
This computer is cheap, so if it breaks, I won't feel like I've incurred a loss.
Kono pasokon wa yasui kara, kowarete mo son o shita to omowanai darō.
- Figurative Loss
- It can also refer to a loss in a more abstract sense. For example, if you go to a party and it's boring and you don't meet anyone interesting, you might feel you 'son o shita' because your time wasn't well spent. Similarly, in a competition, if you lose, you have 'son o shita' in terms of winning.
Trying to fix that old machine was a waste of time; I really incurred a loss.
Sono furui kikai o shūri shiyou to shita no wa jikan no muda datta. Hontō ni son o shita.
Mastering 「損をする」 (son o suru) involves understanding its grammatical flexibility and its common contextual partners. As a verb phrase, it conjugates like any other '-suru' verb. The most common form you'll encounter is the past tense, 「損をした」 (son o shita), indicating that a loss has already occurred. The present/future tense, 「損をする」 (son o suru), can refer to a potential loss or a general tendency to incur losses.
- Basic Conjugations
- The core of using this phrase lies in conjugating the verb 「する」 (suru). For instance:
- Present/Future Tense: 損をする (son o suru)
- Used when talking about a general possibility or a future event where a loss might occur.
If you invest without research, you might incur a loss.
よく調べずに投資をすると、損をすることがある。
Yoku shirabezu ni tōshi o suru to, son o suru koto ga aru. - Past Tense: 損をした (son o shita)
- This is the most frequently used form, indicating a loss that has already happened.
I bought this at a high price and sold it at a low price, so I incurred a loss.
高く買って安く売ったので、損をした。
Takaku katte yasuku utta node, son o shita. - Negative Forms: 損をしない (son o shinai), 損をしなかった (son o shinakatta)
- Used to express that no loss was incurred.
If you are careful, you will not incur a loss.
注意していれば、損をしないだろう。
Chūi shite ireba, son o shinai darō. - Te-form: 損をして (son o shite)
- Often used to connect clauses, indicating a cause or a preceding action.
Because I incurred a loss on the previous deal, I am being extra cautious this time.
前の取引で損をしてしまったので、今回は慎重になっている。
Mae no torihiki de son o shite shimatta node, konkai wa shinchō ni natte iru.
- Common Sentence Structures
- You will often see 「損をする」 used with particles and other grammatical structures:
- Cause and Effect with 「～ので」 (node) or 「～から」 (kara)
- Explaining why something happened or why a certain decision was made.
I incurred a loss because the product was defective.
製品が不良品だったので、損をした。
Seihin ga furyōhin datta node, son o shita. - Expressing Regret with 「～てしまう」 (te shimau)
- To emphasize that the loss was unfortunate or regrettable.
I ended up incurring a loss by buying it at the wrong time.
タイミングが悪くて、損をしてしまった。
Taimingu ga warukute, son o shite shimatta. - Conditional with 「～と」 (to)
- To state a consequence.
If you sell it now, you will incur a loss.
今売ると、損をするよ。
Ima uru to, son o suru yo. - Expressing the degree of loss with adverbs
- Adverbs like 「大きく」 (ōkiku - greatly), 「少し」 (sukoshi - a little), 「かなり」 (kanari - quite) can be used before 「損をする」.
I incurred a small loss on this transaction.
この取引では少し損をした。
Kono torihiki de wa sukoshi son o shita.
You'll encounter 「損をする」 (son o suru) in a remarkably wide range of everyday Japanese conversations and media. Its versatility makes it a staple in discussions about finances, business, personal decisions, and even casual observations about life's ups and downs.
- Everyday Conversations
- Friends might discuss a bad purchase: 「この服、セールで買ったんだけど、すぐダメになっちゃった。完全に損をしたよ。」 (Kono fuku, sēru de katta n da kedo, sugu dame ni natchatta. Kanzen ni son o shita yo. - I bought these clothes on sale, but they broke right away. I completely incurred a loss.) Or perhaps about a wasted outing: 「せっかく遠くまで来たのに、お店が閉まってた。時間も交通費も損をした気分だ。」 (Sekkaku tōku made kita noni, omise ga shimatteta. Jikan mo kōtsūhi mo son o shita kibun da. - Even though I came all this way, the shop was closed. I feel like I incurred a loss in terms of both time and transportation costs.)
- News and Business Reports
- Financial news often uses this phrase when discussing market fluctuations or company performance. For example, a headline might read: 「円安で輸入業者は損をする可能性」 (En'yasu de yunyū-gyōsha wa son o suru kanōsei - Importers may incur losses due to the weak yen). Business analysts might comment on a company's strategy: 「その投資は結果的に大きな損を招いた。」 (Sono tōshi wa kekkōteki ni ōkina son o manei ta. - That investment ultimately led to a significant loss.)
- Consumer Advice
- Consumer protection websites or articles might warn about scams or unfavorable contracts using this term. 「契約内容をよく確認しないと、思わぬ損をすることがあります。」 (Keiyaku naiyō o yoku kakunin shinai to, omowanu son o suru koto ga arimasu. - If you don't check the contract details carefully, you may incur unexpected losses.)
- Sports and Games
- In competitive contexts, losing is directly associated with incurring a loss. 「この試合に負けたら、チームは大きな損をすることになる。」 (Kono shiai ni maketara, chīmu wa ōkina son o suru koto ni naru. - If the team loses this match, they will incur a big loss.)
- Dramas and Movies
- Characters might express frustration or regret about financial setbacks, bad decisions, or missed opportunities. A character might lament, 「あの時、もっと早く決断していれば損をしなかったのに。」 (Ano toki, motto hayaku ketsudan shite ireba son o shinakatta noni. - If only I had decided sooner at that time, I wouldn't have incurred a loss.)
This phrase is extremely common in everyday Japanese, so you'll hear it frequently once you start paying attention.
When learning 「損をする」 (son o suru), learners might make a few common errors that affect the naturalness or accuracy of their Japanese. Understanding these pitfalls can significantly improve your fluency.
- Confusing 「損」 (son) with 「利益」 (rieki) or 「得」 (toku)
- The most fundamental mistake is using 「損をする」 when you mean to say you gained something. 「利益」 (rieki) means profit, and 「得をする」 (toku o suru) means to gain or to benefit. Using 「損をする」 when you've gained would be the opposite of what you intend.
- Incorrect Verb Conjugation
- Since 「損をする」 is a verb phrase, the conjugation of 「する」 (suru) must be correct. Forgetting to conjugate 「する」 or conjugating it incorrectly (e.g., saying 「損をしました」 instead of 「損をしました」 for the past tense, or using the wrong polite form) can lead to awkward or incorrect sentences.
- Misplacing the Particle 「を」 (o)
- While in very casual or rapid speech, the particle 「を」 might sometimes be omitted, it is generally required. Omitting it where it should be present can sound grammatically incorrect or incomplete. The standard form is 「損を」.
- Using it for Minor Inconveniences
- While 「損をする」 can cover wasted time, it usually implies a more significant negative outcome than a very minor inconvenience. For instance, if you have to wait an extra minute for a bus, you probably wouldn't say you 'son o shita'. It's for situations where there's a clear, noticeable deficit.
- Overusing the Past Tense
- While 「損をした」 (son o shita) is very common, learners might neglect the present/future tense 「損をする」 (son o suru) for discussing general possibilities or future events. This limits their ability to express a wider range of scenarios.
Incorrect: 「この株は利益をした。」 (This stock incurred profit.)
Correct: 「この株は利益が出た。」 or 「この株で得をした。」 (Profit came from this stock. / I gained from this stock.)
While 「損をする」 (son o suru) is a very common and versatile phrase, there are other words and expressions that convey similar or related meanings, each with its own nuance and usage.
- 得をする (toku o suru)
- Meaning: To gain; to benefit; to make a profit. This is the direct antonym of 「損をする」.
Usage: Used when you have a positive outcome, a financial gain, or a beneficial situation.
Example: 「このセールでたくさん買えば、きっと得をするよ。」 (Kono sēru de takusan kaeba, kitto toku o suru yo. - If you buy a lot during this sale, you'll surely gain.)
Comparison: While 「損をする」 focuses on the deficit, 「得をする」 focuses on the surplus or advantage. - 損失を出す (sonshitsu o dasu)
- Meaning: To incur a loss; to suffer a loss. This is a more formal and often financial term. 「損失」 (sonshitsu) itself means 'loss'.
Usage: Typically used in business, accounting, or formal financial contexts.
Example: 「昨年度、当社は多額の損失を出しました。」 (Sakunendo, tōsha wa tagaku no sonshitsu o dashimashita. - Last fiscal year, our company incurred a large loss.)
Comparison: More formal and specific to financial or quantifiable losses than the general 「損をする」. - 無駄にする (muda ni suru)
- Meaning: To waste; to make something futile.
Usage: Used when something (time, effort, resources, opportunity) is used inefficiently or without achieving its intended purpose.
Example: 「せっかくの休みなのに、一日中寝て過ごしてしまった。時間を無駄にした。」 (Sekkaku no yasumi na noni, ichinichijū nete sugoshite shimatta. Jikan o muda ni shita. - Even though it's a precious holiday, I spent the whole day sleeping. I wasted my time.)
Comparison: While wasting something can lead to incurring a loss (損をする), 「無駄にする」 focuses on the act of wasting itself, not necessarily the deficit incurred. - 失敗する (shippai suru)
- Meaning: To fail; to make a mistake.
Usage: A general term for not succeeding in an endeavor.
Example: 「プレゼンテーションが失敗してしまった。」 (Purezentēshon ga shippai shite shimatta. - The presentation failed.)
Comparison: Failing (失敗する) can often lead to incurring a loss (損をする), but not always. You can fail at a task without necessarily suffering a material or financial loss. - 不利益を被る (furieki o kōmuru)
- Meaning: To suffer disadvantage; to be put at a disadvantage. 「不利益」 (furieki) means disadvantage.
Usage: Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe a situation where one party is placed at a disadvantage compared to another.
Example: 「その契約は、我々にとって不利益を被る内容だった。」 (Sono keiyaku wa, wareware ni totte furieki o kōmuru naiyō datta. - That contract was disadvantageous to us.)
Comparison: More formal and emphasizes the state of being disadvantaged, which often results from incurring a loss.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 損 is composed of the radical 'shihō' (糸 - thread/silk) and 'dō' (貝 - shell/money). This combination hints at early economic transactions involving shells or valuable goods, where damage or loss could occur.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'suru' as 'soo-roo' with a strong 'oo' sound and a clear 'r'. The Japanese 'u' is often unstressed and less distinct.
- Over-emphasizing the 'o' in 'son' as if it were a long vowel.
- Using a hard 'r' sound instead of the Japanese flap 'r'.
Difficulty Rating
The phrase itself is relatively simple to understand, but its application in varied contexts (financial, temporal, figurative) requires careful reading comprehension. Recognizing the nuances between 'son o suru' and similar terms like 'rieki o eru' or 'muda ni suru' is key to accurate reading.
Constructing sentences with 'son o suru' is straightforward due to its common verb conjugation. However, using it appropriately in formal or nuanced contexts, and distinguishing it from synonyms, requires a good grasp of register and vocabulary.
Pronunciation is manageable, and the phrase is frequently used, making it easy to incorporate into conversation. The main challenge is selecting the correct tense and ensuring the context of the loss is clear.
Given its frequency in media and daily life, listening for 'son o suru' should become easier with exposure. Understanding the context is crucial for interpreting whether the loss is financial, temporal, or figurative.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Conjugation of する (suru) verbs
The verb 'suru' conjugates like: suru (do), shimashita (did), shinai (don't do), shitara (if did), shiyō (let's do). This is crucial for conjugating 'son o suru' correctly.
Particles: を (o) and で (de)
'を' is the direct object particle, used with 'son o suru'. 'で' can indicate the area or means of loss, e.g., '時間で損をする' (jikan de son o suru - to lose time).
Conditional forms (e.g., ～ば, ～たら, ～と)
If you invest without research, you might incur a loss. 「よく調べずに投資をすれば、損をするかもしれない。」 (Yoku shirabezu ni tōshi o sureba, son o suru kamoshirenai.)
Expressing regret with ～てしまう (te shimau)
I ended up incurring a loss because I bought it at the wrong time. 「タイミングが悪くて、損をしてしまった。」 (Taimingu ga warukute, son o shite shimatta.)
Adverbial modification
Adverbs like 'ōkiku' (greatly) or 'sukoshi' (a little) modify the degree of loss: '大きく損をする' (ōkiku son o suru).
Examples by Level
これは損です。
This is a loss.
Simple statement of fact.
お金を損しました。
I lost money.
Past tense of 'to lose money'.
損をしないように。
Try not to lose money.
Imperative form for caution.
損だよ。
It's a loss.
Casual statement.
損した。
I lost.
Very casual past tense.
損ですか？
Is it a loss?
Asking about a loss.
損しない。
Not a loss.
Negation.
損した気分。
Feeling of loss.
Describing a feeling.
この買い物は損をした。
I incurred a loss with this shopping.
Past tense, indicating a completed loss from an action.
もっと安く買えば損をしなかったのに。
If I had bought it cheaper, I wouldn't have incurred a loss.
Conditional regret in the past.
時間を損するだけだ。
It's just a waste of time (incurring a loss of time).
Expressing a futile action.
彼はいつも損ばかりしている。
He always incurs losses.
Expressing a habitual tendency.
この取引で損をしました。
I incurred a loss in this transaction.
Specific context of loss.
損をしないように気をつけてください。
Please be careful not to incur a loss.
Polite request for caution.
それは損な話だ。
That's a disadvantageous story/deal.
Describing a situation as unfavorable.
損をするのは嫌だ。
I don't like incurring losses.
Expressing dislike.
この投資は、短期的に見れば損をしているように見えるが、長期的に見れば利益が出る可能性がある。
This investment appears to be incurring a loss in the short term, but there's a possibility of profit in the long term.
Distinguishing short-term vs. long-term outcomes.
リスクを冒してまで損をしようとは思わない。
I don't intend to incur a loss, even if it means taking risks.
Expressing a decision based on risk aversion.
オンラインショッピングは便利だが、偽物に注意しないと損をしてしまうことがある。
Online shopping is convenient, but if you're not careful about fakes, you might incur a loss.
Cautionary advice related to a specific activity.
交渉がうまくいかず、結局こちらが損をする形になった。
The negotiation didn't go well, and in the end, it turned out that we incurred a loss.
Describing the outcome of a negotiation.
この件で損をしたくないので、専門家に相談することにした。
Since I don't want to incur a loss in this matter, I decided to consult an expert.
Justifying an action to avoid loss.
わざわざ遠くまで行ったのに、イベントが中止になってしまい、時間と交通費を損した。
Even though I went all the way there, the event was canceled, and I incurred a loss of time and travel expenses.
Detailing the types of losses incurred.
彼は商売が下手で、いつも損をしてばかりいる。
He's bad at business and always ends up incurring losses.
Describing someone's consistent lack of success.
この古い車を修理しても、それ以上損をするだけだろう。
Even if I repair this old car, I'll likely just incur further losses.
Predicting future losses from an ongoing issue.
市場の急激な変動により、多くの企業が予期せぬ損を被ることになった。
Due to the rapid fluctuations in the market, many companies ended up suffering unexpected losses.
Formal language, passive voice ('被る' - suffer).
早まった決断は、後々大きな損につながる可能性があることを忘れてはならない。
We must not forget that hasty decisions can lead to significant losses later on.
Emphasizing the long-term consequences of actions.
この契約は、相手方にとって有利だが、我々にとっては損をする内容だ。
This contract is advantageous for the other party, but it is disadvantageous (incurs a loss) for us.
Comparing opposing interests in a contract.
情報収集を怠ると、投資において損をするリスクが高まる。
If you neglect information gathering, the risk of incurring losses in investment increases.
Linking negligence to increased risk.
今回のキャンペーンは、参加者全員が何らかの形で損をしないように配慮されている。
This campaign has been designed so that all participants do not incur a loss in some form.
Focus on avoiding losses for all parties.
安易に飛びついた副業が、実際には時間と金銭の両面で損をする結果となった。
The side job I eagerly jumped into actually resulted in incurring losses in both time and money.
Describing dual losses (time and money).
その技術はまだ確立されておらず、導入しても損をする可能性が高い。
That technology is not yet established, and there is a high possibility of incurring losses even if it is introduced.
Assessing risk with new technology.
景気後退の影響で、多くの小売業者が品揃えの見直しを迫られ、損をしないよう工夫している。
Due to the impact of the economic downturn, many retailers are forced to review their product lineups and are devising ways not to incur losses.
Business strategy in difficult economic times.
投機的な取引は、短期間で大きな利益を得る可能性がある一方で、致命的な損を被るリスクも内包している。
Speculative transactions, while having the potential to yield large profits in a short period, also encompass the risk of suffering catastrophic losses.
Sophisticated vocabulary ('投機的', '致命的', '内包する').
グローバルサプライチェーンの混乱は、多くの製造業にとってコスト増という形で損をもたらした。
The disruption of the global supply chain brought about losses for many manufacturing industries in the form of increased costs.
Complex causal relationship, formal vocabulary.
その企業の経営陣は、株主価値の維持という観点から、損失を最小限に抑えるためのあらゆる手を尽くした。
From the perspective of maintaining shareholder value, the company's management took every measure to minimize the incurred losses.
Formal business context, emphasis on mitigation.
新規事業への参入は、市場調査の甘さから、結果的に多額の損を招くことになった。
The entry into the new business, due to the inadequacy of market research, ultimately led to incurring substantial losses.
Critique of strategic planning.
個人の投資判断において、感情に流されることは、合理的な判断を阻害し、損をする確率を高める。
In individual investment decisions, being swayed by emotions hinders rational judgment and increases the probability of incurring losses.
Psychological factors influencing financial outcomes.
この度の不況は、多くの零細企業にとって存続の危機であり、損をしないための必死の努力が続けられている。
This recession is a crisis of survival for many micro-enterprises, and desperate efforts are being continued to avoid incurring losses.
Focus on survival and extreme measures.
技術革新のペースが速すぎるため、既存の設備への投資が陳腐化し、結果的に損を招くケースが散見される。
As the pace of technological innovation is too rapid, investments in existing equipment become obsolete, and cases of incurring losses as a result are occasionally observed.
Discussing the impact of rapid technological change.
国際情勢の不安定化は、貿易摩擦を激化させ、各国の経済主体に多大な損害をもたらす懸念がある。
The instability of the international situation is intensifying trade friction, and there are concerns that it will bring about considerable losses to economic entities in each country.
Macroeconomic analysis, formal tone.
その事業計画は、綿密なリスク分析にもかかわらず、予期せぬ外部要因により、当初の想定を遥かに超える損害を被ることとなった。
Despite meticulous risk analysis, that business plan, due to unforeseen external factors, ended up suffering damages far exceeding initial expectations.
Highly formal, complex sentence structure, emphasis on unexpectedness.
市場の飽和状態と競争激化は、多くの新規参入企業にとって、早期に損切りを余儀なくされるという厳しい現実を突きつけた。
Market saturation and intensified competition presented many new entrant companies with the harsh reality of being forced to cut their losses early on.
Abstract concepts, business jargon ('飽和状態', '損切り').
持続可能な開発目標の達成に向けた投資は、短期的な財務的損を度外視し、長期的な社会的・環境的便益を追求するものである。
Investment towards achieving sustainable development goals disregards short-term financial losses and pursues long-term social and environmental benefits.
Focus on long-term vs. short-term, abstract goals.
現代の金融市場におけるレバレッジ取引は、その高いリターンの魅力ゆえに、しばしば破滅的な損を招く。
Leverage trading in modern financial markets, due to its attractive high returns, often invites catastrophic losses.
Specific financial terminology ('レバレッジ取引', '破滅的').
グローバル経済の不確実性が増大する中、企業はサプライチェーンの強靭化を図り、潜在的な損害を最小化する戦略を構築する必要に迫られている。
Amidst increasing uncertainty in the global economy, companies are compelled to build strategies that strengthen their supply chains and minimize potential damages (incurred losses).
Focus on strategic risk management at a global level.
この技術革新は、既存産業の構造を根本から揺るがし、適応できない企業は市場から退場せざるを得なくなり、甚大な損を被ることになるだろう。
This technological innovation will fundamentally shake the structure of existing industries, and companies unable to adapt will have no choice but to exit the market, thereby suffering immense losses.
High-level analysis of industry disruption.
為替レートの急激な変動は、輸出入業者のみならず、海外資産を持つ投資家にとっても、予期せぬ損益をもたらす要因となり得る。
Rapid fluctuations in exchange rates can be a factor that brings about unexpected gains or losses not only for exporters and importers but also for investors holding overseas assets.
Complex financial implications across various economic actors.
その判断は、短期的な利益追求に囚われた結果、長期的な企業価値の毀損という、取り返しのつかない損を招いた。
That judgment, resulting from being fixated on short-term profit seeking, led to irrecoverable losses in the form of damage to long-term corporate value.
Critique of short-sighted decision-making, abstract concept of 'corporate value'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— I ended up incurring a loss. This form emphasizes that the loss has regrettably occurred.
I bought it at the peak and sold it at the bottom, so I ended up incurring a big loss. 「高値で買って安値で売ったので、大きく損をしてしまった。」 (Takane de katte yasune de utta node, ōkiku son o shite shimatta.)
— A feeling of having incurred a loss, even if it's not strictly financial. It implies a sense of regret or waste.
The event was canceled after I traveled so far; I feel like I incurred a loss. 「せっかく遠くまで来たのにイベントが中止になって、損をした気分だ。」 (Sekkaku tōku made kita noni ibento ga chūshi ni natte, son o shita kibun da.)
— In order not to incur a loss; to be careful not to lose out.
Please be careful not to incur a loss when making investments. 「投資をする際は、損をしないように注意してください。」 (Tōshi o suru sai wa, son o shinai yō ni chūi shite kudasai.)
— I don't want to incur a loss; I dislike losing out.
Nobody wants to incur a loss, right? 「損をするのは誰だって嫌だろう。」 (Son o suru no wa dare datte iya darō.)
— There is no loss; you won't lose out.
If you buy this now, you won't lose out because the price will go up. 「今買えば、値段が上がるから損をすることはないよ。」 (Ima kaeba, nedan ga agaru kara son o suru koto wa nai yo.)
— The possibility of incurring a loss.
There is a possibility of incurring a loss if the market changes. 「市場が変わると、損をする可能性がある。」 (Shijō ga kawaru to, son o suru kanōsei ga aru.)
— Whether one incurs a loss or gains an advantage; the outcome of a situation.
It's unclear whether we will incur a loss or gain an advantage from this deal. 「この取引で損をするか得をするかは、まだ分からない。」 (Kono torihiki de son o suru ka toku o suru ka wa, mada wakaranai.)
— A transaction that results in a loss.
I regret making such a transaction that resulted in a loss. 「損をするような取引をしてしまったことを後悔している。」 (Son o suru yō na torihiki o shite shimatta koto o kōkai shite iru.)
— The result of having incurred a loss.
As a result of the failed investment, I ended up incurring a loss. 「投資が失敗した結果、損をしてしまった。」 (Tōshi ga shippai shita kekka, son o shite shimatta.)
— Before incurring a loss.
Let's think carefully before we incur a loss. 「損をする前に、よく考えよう。」 (Son o suru mae ni, yoku kangaeyō.)
Often Confused With
'Son o suru' means to incur a loss, while 'toku o suru' means to gain or benefit. They are direct opposites.
'Muda ni suru' means to waste. While wasting something can lead to 'son o suru', they are not identical. 'Son o suru' focuses on the deficit, while 'muda ni suru' focuses on the futility of effort or resources.
'Songai' is a noun meaning 'damage' or 'loss.' 'Son o suru' is the verb phrase meaning 'to incur a loss.' You can suffer 'songai', and this often results in 'son o suru'.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'lose and gain.' This idiom suggests that sometimes, by appearing to lose or by making a small sacrifice, you can ultimately achieve a greater gain or benefit. It's about strategic short-term loss for long-term gain.
In business negotiations, sometimes you have to employ the 'son shite toku tore' strategy. 「ビジネスの交渉では、時には『損して得取れ』の戦略を使う必要がある。」 (Bijinesu no kōshō de wa, toki ni wa 'son shite toku tore' no senryaku o tsukau hitsuyō ga aru.)
Proverbial/Informal— While not an idiom in the strict sense, 'sonau' is a related verb meaning 'to lose' or 'to damage' something intangible, like health, reputation, or relationships. It's often used with abstract nouns.
He damaged his reputation by his actions. 「彼はその行動で評判を損なった。」 (Kare wa sono kōdō de hyōban o sonatta.)
Slightly Formal/Abstract— The calculation of profit and loss; considering the pros and cons; cost-benefit analysis. It refers to the mental process of weighing gains against losses.
He always makes decisions based on his 'sontoku kanjō'. 「彼はいつも損得勘定で物事を決める。」 (Kare wa itsumo sontoku kanjō de monogoto o kimeru.)
General/Analytical— An unfortunate role or position; a role where one is bound to suffer losses or disadvantages.
He always gets stuck with the 'son na yakumawari' of cleaning up after everyone else. 「彼はいつも皆の後始末をするという損な役回りになる。」 (Kare wa itsumo minna no ato shimatsu o suru to iu son na yakumawari ni naru.)
Informal/Descriptive— Constantly incurring losses; always losing out. This is a more colloquial way to express that someone consistently experiences negative outcomes.
It feels like I'm always incurring losses in this game. 「このゲームでは、いつも損してばかりいる気がする。」 (Kono gēmu de wa, itsumo son shite bakari iru ki ga suru.)
Informal/Colloquial— A series of losses; continuous misfortune.
After the initial setback, it was a series of losses. 「最初のつまずきの後、それは損の連続だった。」 (Saisho no tsumazuki no ato, sore wa son no renzoku datta.)
Descriptive— A purchase that doesn't result in a loss; a wise purchase.
Buying during a sale is usually a purchase that doesn't result in a loss. 「セール中に買うのは、たいてい損をしない買い物だ。」 (Sēru-chū ni kau no wa, taitei son o shinai kaimono da.)
Practical— Don't think of it as a loss; don't consider it a loss.
Even if it takes a little longer, don't think of it as a loss of time. 「少し時間がかかっても、時間の損だと思わないで。」 (Sukoshi jikan ga kakatte mo, jikan no son da to omowanai de.)
Encouraging— An unprofitable plan; a plan that is likely to incur losses.
That plan seems like an unprofitable plan from the start. 「その計画は最初から損な計画のように見える。」 (Sono keikaku wa saisho kara son na keikaku no yō ni mieru.)
Critical— An outcome that results in a loss.
The experiment led to an outcome that resulted in a loss. 「その実験は損な結果をもたらした。」 (Sono jikken wa son na kekka o motarashita.)
DescriptiveEasily Confused
Both 'son o suru' and 'sonshitsu' relate to the concept of loss.
'Son o suru' is a verb phrase meaning 'to incur a loss.' 'Sonshitsu' is a noun meaning 'loss' or 'damage.' You can incur a 'sonshitsu', which is the state of having 'son o shita'.
The company reported a loss of 10 million yen. 「会社は1000万円の損失を報告した。」 (Kaisha wa 1000 man en no sonshitsu o hōkoku shita.) <br> He incurred a loss in that transaction. 「彼はその取引で損をした。」 (Kare wa sono torihiki de son o shita.)
Shares the initial sound 'son' and relates to negative outcomes.
'Son o suru' specifically refers to incurring a loss, often financial or temporal. 'Sonau' is a transitive verb meaning 'to damage,' 'to impair,' or 'to lose' something intangible like health, reputation, or relationships. It's less about a direct financial deficit and more about degradation.
His health deteriorated. 「彼の健康は損なわれた。」 (Kare no kenkō wa sonawareta.) <br> I incurred a loss by buying this item. 「この品物を買って損をした。」 (Kono shinamono o katte son o shita.)
Both 'son o suru' and 'muda' relate to negative outcomes and a sense of not achieving desired results.
'Muda' means 'waste' or 'futile.' 'Muda ni suru' means 'to waste.' Incurring a loss ('son o suru') can be a consequence of wasting something ('muda ni suru'), but 'son o suru' specifically emphasizes the deficit or disadvantage, while 'muda ni suru' emphasizes the lack of purpose or effectiveness.
Wasting time is a loss. 「時間を無駄にするのは損だ。」 (Jikan o muda ni suru no wa son da.) <br> Don't waste your efforts. 「努力を無駄にしないでください。」 (Doryoku o muda ni shinaide kudasai.)
Failing often leads to losses.
'Shippai' means 'failure' or 'mistake.' 'Son o suru' means 'to incur a loss.' You can fail at something without necessarily incurring a significant loss (e.g., failing a quiz might not be a 'son'), but many failures do result in losses (e.g., a failed business venture leads to financial loss).
The project failed. 「プロジェクトが失敗した。」 (Purojekuto ga shippai shita.) <br> The failed investment led to a loss. 「失敗した投資で損をした。」 (Shippai shita tōshi de son o shita.)
Both terms refer to negative outcomes.
'Furieki' means 'disadvantage' or 'detriment.' 'Son o suru' means 'to incur a loss.' Incurring a loss often puts one at a disadvantage ('furieki o kōmuru'), but 'furieki' can also refer to situations where there's no direct financial loss but a comparative disadvantage.
This contract is disadvantageous to us. 「この契約は我々にとって不利益だ。」 (Kono keiyaku wa wareware ni totte furieki da.) <br> I incurred a loss due to the contract. 「契約のために損をした。」 (Keiyaku no tame ni son o shita.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 損をする (o son o suru)
お金を損をする。
Noun + で + 損をする (de son o suru)
時間で損をする。
Adverb + 損をする (son o suru)
大きく損をする。
Verb (te-form) + しまった (shimatta)
損をしてしまった。
～と + 損をする (son o suru)
今売ると損をする。
～ないように + 損をする (son o suru)
損をしないように注意する。
～ので/から + 損をする (son o suru)
準備不足だったので損をした。
～可能性が高い (kanōsei ga takai) + 損をする (son o suru)
損をする可能性が高い。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Very High
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Using 損をする (son o suru) when you mean to say you gained something.
→
得をする (toku o suru) or 利益を得る (rieki o eru).
These are direct antonyms. 'Son o suru' means to lose, while 'toku o suru' means to gain. Confusing them reverses the intended meaning.
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Incorrect conjugation of the verb する (suru).
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Ensure the correct past tense (した), present/future (する), or negative (しない) form is used.
Forgetting to conjugate 'suru' or using the wrong form leads to grammatical errors. For example, saying 'son o shimasu' for a past event is incorrect; it should be 'son o shimashita'.
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Omitting the particle を (o).
→
損ををする (son o suru).
While sometimes omitted in very casual speech, the particle 'o' is generally required after 'son' when used with 'suru'. Omitting it can sound ungrammatical.
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Using 損をする (son o suru) for very minor inconveniences.
→
Use it for more significant losses of money, time, or effort.
While possible, saying you 'son o shita' because you waited an extra minute for a bus might sound overly dramatic. It's typically reserved for outcomes with a clear deficit.
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Confusing 損をする (son o suru) with 損害を被る (songai o kōmuru) in informal settings.
→
Use 'son o suru' in casual conversation and 'songai o kōmuru' in formal contexts.
'Songai o kōmuru' is more formal and often implies more serious damage or loss, typically used in business or legal discussions. Using it in casual talk can sound stiff.
Tips
Associate with 'Sun'
Remember the sound 'son' sounds like the English word 'sun'. Imagine the sun setting, symbolizing the end of the day and a 'loss' of daylight. This visual can help you recall that 'son' relates to loss.
Conjugate 'Suru' Correctly
Since 'son o suru' is a verb phrase, mastering the conjugations of the auxiliary verb 'suru' (do) is essential for using it accurately in different tenses and forms.
Know the Antonym
Understanding the opposite, 'toku o suru' (to gain/benefit), will solidify your grasp of 'son o suru' by highlighting the contrast between loss and gain.
Use it in Sentences
Actively try to create sentences using 'son o suru' in various contexts, whether it's about a personal experience, a hypothetical situation, or something you read or heard.
Practice the 'R' Sound
The Japanese 'r' sound in 'suru' is a flap, similar to the 'tt' in 'butter' in American English. Practice this sound to make your pronunciation more natural.
Distinguish from 'Muda ni Suru'
While wasting something ('muda ni suru') can lead to a loss ('son o suru'), remember that 'son o suru' focuses on the deficit, whereas 'muda ni suru' emphasizes the futility of the action itself.
Cultural Context of Caution
Japanese culture often values prudence and avoiding unnecessary risks. The concept of 'son o suru' is central to this, encouraging careful decision-making to prevent losses.
Adding Regret with ～てしまう
Use 'son o shite shimau' to express that a loss has regrettably occurred, adding a layer of emotion like frustration or disappointment to your statement.
Beyond Financials
Don't limit your understanding to just monetary losses. Think about how 'son o suru' applies to wasted time, effort, or even emotional costs.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'sun' (損) setting, which signifies the end of the day and a 'loss' of daylight. Or, think of a 'son' (損) who always spends too much money, causing his parents to 'incur a loss.'
Visual Association
Picture a piggy bank with coins falling out, or a graph showing a sharp downward trend with a red 'X' mark.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three situations from your own life where you 'son o shita' (incurred a loss), focusing on different types of losses (money, time, effort).
Word Origin
The word 'son' (損) itself has ancient origins, likely related to concepts of damage or harm. The verb 'suru' (する) is a common auxiliary verb meaning 'to do' or 'to make.' Together, 'son o suru' literally means 'to do loss' or 'to make loss,' signifying the act of incurring it.
Original meaning: The character 損 originally depicted something being damaged or broken, indicating a state of deterioration or loss.
JaponicCultural Context
The phrase is generally neutral and descriptive. However, when used to describe someone's consistent misfortune, it could be perceived as slightly critical or unsympathetic, depending on the tone and context.
In English, we have similar phrases like 'to incur a loss,' 'to suffer a loss,' 'to lose out,' 'to be at a disadvantage,' or 'to waste something.' The Japanese phrase 'son o suru' is quite comprehensive and can cover many of these nuances.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Financial transactions and investments
- 投資で損をする (tōshi de son o suru)
- 株で損をする (kabu de son o suru)
- 損をしないように投資する (son o shinai yō ni tōshi suru)
Shopping and purchases
- 高い買い物をした（損をした）(takai kaimono o shita (son o shita))
- セールで損をする (sēru de son o suru)
- 不良品で損をする (furyōhin de son o suru)
Wasted time or effort
- 時間を損する (jikan o son o suru)
- 無駄な努力（損をした）(muda na doryoku (son o shita))
- せっかく来たのに損をした (sekkaku kita noni son o shita)
Business and negotiations
- 取引で損をする (torihiki de son o suru)
- 交渉で損をする (kōshō de son o suru)
- 損をしない交渉をする (son o shinai kōshō o suru)
General life situations and decisions
- 損をするようなことはしない (son o suru yō na koto wa shinai)
- 損をした気分になる (son o shita kibun ni naru)
- 損をするのは嫌だ (son o suru no wa iya da)
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever made a purchase that you later felt was a complete loss?"
"What's the biggest 'loss' of time you've ever experienced?"
"When do you think it's acceptable to 'incur a loss' in business?"
"Are there any situations where you believe a small loss can lead to a bigger gain?"
"How do you try to avoid 'losing out' when making important decisions?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you felt you 'son o shita' (incurred a loss) due to a bad decision. What did you learn from it?
Reflect on a situation where you might have 'son o shita' (incurred a loss) of time or effort. How did it make you feel, and what could you have done differently?
Think about the concept of 'son o suru' versus 'toku o suru'. When do you prioritize avoiding losses, and when do you focus on potential gains?
Write about a time you decided to take a risk, and it resulted in a loss. How did you process that experience?
Consider the proverb '損して得取れ' (son shite toku tore). Can you think of a situation where this might apply, either in your life or in general?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThey are direct opposites. 損をする (son o suru) means to incur a loss or suffer damage, ending up with less than you started. 得をする (toku o suru) means to gain, benefit, or make a profit, ending up with more or in a better position. For example, buying something that immediately decreases in value is 損をする, while finding a great deal is 得をする.
Yes, absolutely. While it's very common for financial losses, it can also refer to a loss of time ('時間を損する' - jikan o son o suru), effort ('努力を損する' - doryoku o son o suru), or even opportunities. If you spend hours trying to fix something that's unfixable, or travel a long way only to find a place closed, you might feel you 'son o shita' in terms of your wasted time and effort.
Yes, in formal business or financial contexts, you might hear or see 損失を出す (sonshitsu o dasu) or 損害を被る (songai o kōmuru). These phrases are more specific to financial losses or significant damage.
You can say 損をしたくない (son o shitakunai) or more politely 損をしたくありません (son o shitaku arimasen). If you want to emphasize avoiding loss in a particular situation, you might say 損をしないようにしたい (son o shinai yō ni shitai).
Adding ～てしまう (te shimau) to 損をする (son o suru) to make 損をしてしまう (son o shite shimau) adds a nuance of regret, finality, or an unintended outcome. It implies that the loss has occurred, often unexpectedly or unfortunately, and the speaker feels a sense of completion or sometimes helplessness about it. For example, 'I ended up incurring a loss' sounds more regretful than just 'I incurred a loss'.
Yes, in a competitive context, losing means you have 'son o shita' in terms of winning. For example, in a game or match, if you lose, you have incurred a loss. However, more specific terms like 'makete shimatta' (lost) are often used.
The direct opposite is 得をする (toku o suru), which means 'to gain,' 'to benefit,' or 'to make a profit.' You can also say 利益を得る (rieki o eru), which means 'to obtain profit.'
No, as mentioned before, it can refer to losses in time, effort, or opportunities. For example, if you spend a lot of time on a task that yields no results, you might feel you 'son o shita' in terms of your time.
It is extremely common. You will hear and see it frequently in everyday conversations, news reports, advertisements, and various forms of media in Japan.
'Son o suru' is a general verb phrase for incurring a loss or suffering damage. 'Songai o kōmuru' is more formal and specifically refers to suffering damage or loss, often in a more serious or quantifiable way, like physical damage or financial loss in a business context.
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Summary
「損をする」 (son o suru) is a versatile Japanese phrase meaning 'to incur a loss' or 'to suffer damage.' It's used broadly for financial deficits, wasted time, or unfavorable outcomes, making it a crucial expression for understanding everyday Japanese.
- The Japanese phrase 'son o suru' means to incur a loss or suffer damage.
- It applies to financial losses, wasted time, effort, or missed opportunities.
- Commonly used in everyday conversations, news, and business contexts.
- The opposite is 'toku o suru' (to gain or benefit).
Context is Key
Always consider the context to understand what kind of loss is being referred to. Is it financial, a waste of time, or a missed opportunity? The surrounding words will usually provide clues.
Associate with 'Sun'
Remember the sound 'son' sounds like the English word 'sun'. Imagine the sun setting, symbolizing the end of the day and a 'loss' of daylight. This visual can help you recall that 'son' relates to loss.
Conjugate 'Suru' Correctly
Since 'son o suru' is a verb phrase, mastering the conjugations of the auxiliary verb 'suru' (do) is essential for using it accurately in different tenses and forms.
Know the Antonym
Understanding the opposite, 'toku o suru' (to gain/benefit), will solidify your grasp of 'son o suru' by highlighting the contrast between loss and gain.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More business words
遅めに
B1Late or later than usual.
経理
B1Accounting, accounts department; managing financial records.
的確な
B1Accurate; precise; exactly correct.
達成する
B1To achieve; to accomplish a goal.
活性化
B2To make something more active, lively, or effective. It is used for communities (revitalization), economies (stimulation), and biological processes (activation).
付加
B2To add or attach something extra to an existing thing to increase its value or function.
優位性
B2The state of being in a superior or more advantageous position compared to others; an edge or competitive advantage.
有利
A2Advantageous, favorable; beneficial in a situation.
有利に
B1Advantageously; favorably.
宣伝する
B1To promote; to publicize; to advertise.
