Translation and Meaning of: 損なう - sokonau

The Japanese word 損なう (そこなう) is a verb that carries important meanings in the daily life of the language. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about unique expressions, understanding its usage and nuances can be quite helpful. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word appears, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly.

損なう can be translated as "to damage," "to harm," or "to ruin," but its usage goes beyond the literal meaning. It also appears in situations where something is negatively affected, whether it be a physical object, a relationship, or even an opportunity. Let's uncover how this word is perceived in the Japanese language and in which situations it fits best.

Meaning and use of 損なう

The verb 損なう is often used to indicate that something has been damaged or harmed in some way. For example, it can refer to a broken object or a situation that did not go as expected. Its use is not limited to just the physical aspect, but also to abstract scenarios, such as emotions or plans that have been negatively affected.

An interesting characteristic of 損なう is its application in contexts where there is a loss or deterioration. Unlike other similar verbs, such as 壊す (こわす), which specifically refers to breaking something, 損なう has a broader tone. It can be used to describe anything from a cracked glass to the frustration of a project that did not work out.

Origin and components of kanji

The writing of 損なう is composed of the kanji 損, which means "loss" or "damage," followed by the auxiliary verb なう. The kanji 損 is formed by the radicals 扌(てへん), related to manual actions, and 員, which refers to "person" or "member." This combination suggests the idea of something being affected by an external action.

It is worth noting that 損なう is not an archaic term, but rather a word still very present in modern Japanese. It appears in everyday conversations, formal texts, and even in the media, such as in news about accidents or issues that caused losses. Its kanji is also used in other words, such as 損害 (そんがい), which means "damage" or "loss."

Tips for memorizing 損なう

An effective way to remember 損なう is to associate it with situations where something was damaged or didn't go as planned. For example, imagine a vase that falls and breaks – this is 損なう in action. Creating small mental stories with the word helps to remember not only its meaning but also the context in which it is used.

Another tip is to practice with simple phrases, such as "時間を損なった" (I wasted time) or "機会を損なう" (to ruin an opportunity). Repeating these constructions out loud or writing them on flashcards can reinforce learning. Additionally, paying attention to when the word appears in animes, dramas, or Japanese articles helps internalize its natural use.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 損なう

• 損ないます - Polite polite form
• 損ないましょう - Imperative form command
• 損なえ - Negative way not to do
• 損なって - Form て gerund
• 損ない - dictionary form

Synonyms and similar words

• 傷つける (Kizutsukeru) - Hurt or injure someone emotionally or physically.
• 害する (Gaisuru) - Cause damage or harm, especially in a larger context, such as health or well-being.
• 損害を与える (Songa o ataeru) - To cause damage, usually in a material or legal sense.
• 損をする (Son o suru) - To incur a loss in a transaction or financial situation, emphasizing economic loss.
• 損失を被る (Sonshitsu o kaburu) - To incur losses, often used to describe financial or resource losses.

損なう

Romaji: sokonau
Kana: そこなう
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to harm; hurt; get hurt; Damage; do

Meaning in English: to harm;to hurt;to injure;to damage;to fail in doing

Definition: Lose or damage profits or value.

Example Sentences - (損なう) sokonau

See below some example sentences:

損なうことは避けたい。

Sonnau koto wa saketai

I want to avoid causing harm.

I want to avoid losing.

• 損なう - means "to harm" or "to damage."
• こと - It is a noun that means "thing" or "fact".
• は - It is a particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that what follows is the main subject.
• 避けたい - it's a verb that means "to want to avoid".