Meaning and Usage
The word "害" (がい) primarily means "harm" or "damage." It is often used in contexts where something causes negative effects or injury, whether physically, mentally, or socially.
Common Collocations
- 害を及ぼす (がいをおよぼす): to cause harm or damage
- 害を与える (がいをあたえる): to inflict harm
- 環境に害を与える: to harm the environment
Register and Nuance
"害" is a formal and somewhat serious term, often used in written language, news reports, or formal speech. It is not casual and usually refers to significant or measurable harm rather than minor inconveniences.
Usage Tips
When using "害," the focus is on the negative impact caused by an action or condition. It is commonly paired with verbs like "及ぼす" or "与える" to express the act of causing harm. Avoid confusing "害" with milder words like "悪い" (bad) or "困る" (troubled), as "害" implies a stronger, often physical or social damage.
Summary
Use "害" when discussing serious harm or damage caused by something, especially in formal or written contexts. Remember common phrases like "害を及ぼす" to sound natural and precise.