Meaning and Usage
"危害" (きがい) refers to harm, injury, or danger caused to a person, animal, or environment. It is a formal and somewhat serious term often used in legal, medical, or environmental contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often see "危害" in discussions about safety regulations, laws, or warnings where harm or damage is a concern. For example, phrases like "危害を加える" (to cause harm) or "危害を及ぼす" (to inflict harm) are common.
Collocations and Patterns
- 危害を加える: to cause harm or injury
- 危害を及ぼす: to inflict harm
- 危害を与える: to give harm These expressions are used when talking about actions that result in damage or injury.
Register and Nuance
"危害" is a formal noun and not used in casual conversation. It often appears in written language, official documents, or serious discussions about safety and risk.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "危害" with "危険" (danger). While "危険" refers to the state or condition of being dangerous, "危害" specifically refers to the harm or injury caused. Remember, "危害" focuses on the effect, not just the risk.