害 — meaning in English: harm

gai · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for harm

酒

sake

スキーム

sukīmu

害

gai

形状

keijō

習慣

shūkan

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 害 (gai) in discussions about health or safety, particularly when referring to the harmful effects of substances or actions. For example, one might say, "この薬は体に害があります" (This medicine has harmful effects on the body) when discussing side effects in a medical context.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 傷害 (shōgai), which specifically refers to injury or damage, often in a legal sense. You would use 害 (gai) when discussing general harm, while 傷害 (shōgai) is more appropriate in contexts involving physical or emotional injury, especially in legal discussions.

Culture

The word 害 (gai) has its roots in classical Chinese, where it also means harm or injury. In Japan, it has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings, from physical damage to emotional distress. Interestingly, it is often paired with other words to form compound phrases, such as 害虫 (gaichū), meaning 'pest' or 'harmful insect.'

FAQ

Q.What does 害 (gai) mean in English?

The Japanese word 害 (gai) translates to 'harm' or 'injury' in English. It's used to refer to both physical damage and negative consequences in various contexts.

Q.How do you use 害 (gai) in a sentence?

You can use 害 (gai) in sentences like, "子供たちに害を与えないでください" (Please do not harm the children). It's often used in contexts discussing safety and health.

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 害 (gai)?

A common mistake is confusing 害 (gai) with 影響 (eikyō), which means 'influence.' While both words can describe negative effects, 害 (gai) specifically refers to harm, whereas 影響 (eikyō) can have a broader meaning.

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