Meaning and Usage
The verb 負ける (まける) primarily means "to lose" or "to be defeated," often used in contexts like games, competitions, or negotiations. It is an intransitive verb, so the subject is the one who loses or is defeated.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear 負ける in sports, board games, or any competitive situation. It can also be used metaphorically, such as losing in arguments or negotiations.
Collocations and Patterns
- 負ける 試合 (まける しあい): to lose a match
- 負けてしまう: to end up losing (expresses regret or finality)
- 負ける ことがある: sometimes lose (expresses that losing is a natural occurrence)
Register and Politeness
負ける is a neutral verb and can be used in casual and polite speech. For polite contexts, use the polite form 負けます.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 負ける with 勝つ (かつ, "to win"). Remember 負ける means to lose, so it is used when the subject is defeated, not victorious.