Translation and Meaning of: 害 - gai
The Japanese word 害[がい] is a term that carries important meanings and appears in various contexts of the language. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about this expression, understanding its usage, origin, and applications can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore the meaning of 害, its writing in kanji, practical examples, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. Furthermore, we will look at how this word is perceived in Japan and in what situations it is commonly used.
Meaning and usage of 害[がい]
害[がい] is a kanji that generally conveys the idea of "damage," "harm," or "evil." It appears in words such as 害虫[がいちゅう] (harmful insect) and 害悪[がいあく] (maleficence, negative influence). Its use is more common in contexts involving something detrimental, whether to health, the environment, or even social relationships.
In everyday life, you may encounter this term in public notices, discussions about health, or even in news articles addressing the negative impacts of certain actions. For example, an anti-tobacco campaign might use the word 害 to highlight the harms of smoking. It is a kanji that, despite being simple, carries significant weight in its application.
Origin and writing of the kanji 害
The kanji 害 is composed of elements that reinforce its meaning. It combines the radical 宀 (roof, home) with 口 (mouth) and other strokes that, together, suggest the idea of something that "cuts" or "interrupts" harmony. Sources like Kanjipedia and the dictionary 漢字源 indicate that this construction reinforces the notion of harm or obstruction.
One tip to memorize this kanji is to associate it with situations where something causes a break or harm. For example, think of a pest (害虫) that damages crops or an addiction (害悪) that harms health. This visual and semantic connection can help to retain the term more easily.
Harm in Japanese culture and language
In Japan, the use of 害 is not limited to the literal sense of harm. It also appears in expressions that discuss social or environmental impacts. For example, 公害[こうがい] (pollution) is a term widely used to talk about ecological problems. This word gained prominence during the country's period of rapid industrialization, showcasing how the language reflects societal concerns.
Although it is not an extremely common kanji in daily life, its presence in serious discussions makes it relevant for those who want to understand news or more formal texts. If you are learning Japanese, it's worth paying attention to how it is used in different contexts, from news articles to public health notices.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 害悪 (gaiaku) - Harm, damage; refers to something that causes loss or pain.
- 悪影響 (aku eikyou) - Negative influence; it implies that something is adversely affecting.
- 悪化 (akka) - Deterioration; refers to the process of worsening a condition.
- 損害 (songai) - Material damage; refers to the loss or damage suffered.
- 被害 (higai) - Damage or loss suffered; emphasizes more the impact on the victim.
- 悪 (aku) - Evil; refers to something that is morally wrong or wicked.
- 悪質 (akushitsu) - Of a malicious nature; refers to something that is of poor quality or malicious.
- 悪徳 (akutoku) - Vice or corruption; refers to bad morality or immoral behaviors.
- 悪事 (akuji) - Evil act or crime; refers to actions that are bad or illegal.
Related words
Romaji: gai
Kana: がい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: lesion; damage; evil influence; damage
Meaning in English: injury;harm;evil influence;damage
Definition: Something that causes harm or damage to people or society.
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How to Write in Japanese - (害) gai
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (害) gai:
Example Sentences - (害) gai
See below some example sentences:
Shougai wo norikoeru chikara wo motteimasu
I have the power to overcome the disability.
- 障害 (shougai) - Obstacle, impediment
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 乗り越える (norikoeru) - Overcome, conquer
- 力 (chikara) - strength, power
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 持っています (motteimasu) - possess, have
Shikei wa jinken shingai da to kangaerareteimasu
The death penalty is considered a violation of human rights.
The death penalty is considered a violation of human rights.
- 死刑 - Death penalty
- は - Topic particle
- 人権 - human rights
- 侵害 - violation
- だと - expression indicating an opinion or belief
- 考えられています - is considered
Gaisuru koto wa yamete kudasai
Please stop causing damage.
Please do not harm.
- 害する - to harm, to cause damage
- こと - thing, subject
- は - Topic particle
- やめて - Parar, interromper
- ください - Please, make.
Kigai wo ataeru koui wa yurusaremasen
Actions that cause harm are not allowed.
The act of harming is not allowed.
- 危害を与える行為 - Action that causes damage
- は - Topic particle
- 許されません - Not allowed
Rigai ga kakawaru mondai wa shinchou ni kangae nakereba naranai
You must carefully consider the problem of interest.
You must carefully consider the problem of interest.
- 利害がかかわる - related to interests and benefits
- 問題 - problem
- は - Topic particle
- 慎重に - carefully
- 考えなければならない - must be thought
Kougai wa kankyou ni aku eikyou wo ataemasu
Environmental pollution has a negative impact on the environment.
Pollution has a negative effect on the environment.
- 公害 (kougai) - pollution
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 環境 (kankyou) - environment
- に (ni) - target particle
- 悪影響 (aku eikyou) - negative effect
- を (wo) - object particle
- 与えます (ataemasu) - cause, have an impact
Gai wa sakeru beki desu
The damage should be avoided.
- 害 (gai) - damage
- は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 避ける (sakeru) - avoid, prevent
- べき (beki) - grammatical auxiliary indicating obligation, duty
- です (desu) - polite way of being
Saigai ga okoru mae ni sonae o suru koto ga taisetsu desu
It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs.
It is important to be prepared before a disaster occurs.
- 災害 - Disaster
- が - Subject particle
- 起こる - Occur
- 前に - before
- 備えをすること - Prepare yourself
- が - Subject particle
- 大切です - is important
Sokogai wa yurusarenai
Persecution is not allowed.
No persecution is allowed.
- 迫害 - persecution
- は - Topic particle
- 許されない - not allowed, not tolerated
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
