Translation and Meaning of: 敗戦 - haisen

The Japanese word 敗戦 (はいせん, haisen) carries significant historical and cultural weight in Japan. If you are seeking its meaning, translation, or how it is used in everyday life, this article will explore all of this clearly and directly. Besides understanding the composition of the kanjis, we will see how this expression is perceived in the Japanese language and in what contexts it appears.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find details about like 敗戦, but here we go beyond the basic definition. Let's dive into its usage in sentences, its relation to historical events, and even tips to memorize this word. Whether you are a Japanese student or just curious, this guide will help unravel the nuances of this expression.

Meaning and composition of 敗戦

The word 敗戦 is composed of two kanji: 敗 (hai), which means "defeat" or "failure," and 戦 (sen), which translates as "war" or "battle." Together, they form the term that literally means "defeat in war." Unlike words like 戦敗 (senpai), which is not commonly used, 敗戦 is the standard term to refer to a military defeat.

It is worth noting that 敗戦 is not limited to ancient conflicts. Although it is often associated with World War II in the Japanese context, it can be used for any defeat in war. The pronunciation はいせん (haisen) is uniform throughout Japan, with no relevant dialectal variations, which makes it easier to learn.

Historical and cultural use of 敗戦

In Japan, 敗戦 has a deep connection with the post-World War II period. The term is frequently used in discussions about Japan post-1945, marking a turning point in the country's history. Textbooks, documentaries, and even political speeches use 敗戦 to refer to this historical milestone, often contrasting it with the reconstruction period that followed.

Culturally, the word carries an emotional weight. Unlike neutral like 戦争 (war), 敗戦 evokes reflections on consequences and responsibilities. In media such as films and dramas, it appears in contexts that explore war memories or debates about peace. It is not a word used casually, but rather in deeper discussions about history and national identity.

How to use 敗戦 in sentences and studies

For Japanese learners, understanding the practical use of 敗戦 is essential. It often appears in combination with other words, such as 敗戦後 (post-war) or 敗戦国 (defeated country). A common phrase is "日本は第二次世界大戦で敗戦した" (Japan was defeated in World War II), demonstrating its use in historical contexts.

A tip for memorizing 敗戦 is to associate the kanji 敗 with situations of loss (like 失敗, failure) and 戦 with conflicts. This semantic breakdown helps to solidify the meaning. Additionally, while studying related to Japanese history, you will naturally encounter 敗戦 in authentic materials, reinforcing your learning in a contextualized way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 敗北 (Haiboku) - Defeat; the act of losing in a competition.
• 失敗 (Shippai) - Failure; an error or a failure to achieve a goal, not necessarily a defeat in a competition.
• 大敗 (Taibai) - Great defeat; a significant or decisive loss in a competition.
• 敗退 (Haitai) - Elimination; the act of being defeated and exiting a competition.
• 敗北する (Haiboku suru) - To be defeated; the act of experiencing defeat.
• 敗れる (Yabureru) - To be defeated; the state of being defeated, often used in the context of competition.