Translation and Meaning of: 被害 - higai

The Japanese word 「被害」 (higai) is composed of two kanji: 「被」 and 「害」. The kanji 「被」 (hi) carries the meaning of "to suffer" or "to be affected," while 「害」 (gai) means "damage" or "loss." Together, these two roots form the term that is widely used to describe damages, losses, or harm, often referring to situations where someone or something is harmed or suffers some type of negative impact.

In the Japanese language, 「被害」 is often used in contexts such as natural disasters, accidents, or attacks. For example, when an earthquake occurs, news reports may mention the 「被害」 to describe the extent of the damage and the losses suffered by the population and infrastructure. The use of the word is not limited to natural disasters; it also applies to damages of an economic, social, or even psychological nature.

The origin of the word reflects the deep connection of Japanese culture with the perception of disasters and their impact on society. Being a country prone to earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural disasters, the Japanese have historically developed a rich and precise language to describe these experiences. 「被害者」 (higaisha) is another related term that refers to the victims of such incidents, further highlighting the social context of help and recovery after such events.

Furthermore, the use of the term extends to everyday life and legal language, where 「被害届」 (higai todoke) refers to a report or record of damages, often necessary to initiate legal processes for compensation or investigation. In this way, the word 「被害」 encapsulates not only the notion of loss but also the process of dealing with the consequences and seeking reparation.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

被害 (higai) - Damage or harm caused by a disaster or accident.
損害 (songai) - Damage to goods or property; financial loss.
損失 (sonshitsu) - Loss; it often refers to a financial loss or loss of assets.
損傷 (sonshou) - Physical damage or injury; usually referring to objects or body parts.
被災 (hisai) - Suffer damage due to a natural disaster or accident.
被害額 (higaigaku) - Amount of financial damage or loss suffered.
被害者 (higaisha) - Victim; the person or entity that suffered damage or losses.
被害を受ける (higai o ukeru) - Suffer damage; the act of experiencing a loss or injury.