Meaning and Usage
敗戦 (はいせん) specifically refers to losing in a war or a major battle, but it can also be used metaphorically for defeat in competitions or political struggles. It is a formal noun often seen in historical, military, or serious contexts.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used when discussing historical wars, especially World War II, or in news reports about military conflicts. It can also appear in sports or political discussions to emphasize a significant loss.
Collocations and Patterns
- 敗戦を迎える (はいせんをむかえる): to face defeat, often used when a war or battle ends in loss.
- 敗戦の責任 (はいせんのせきにん): responsibility for defeat, common in political or military contexts.
- 敗戦のショック (はいせんのショック): the shock of defeat, expressing emotional impact.
Register and Nuance
敗戦 is formal and serious. It is not used casually for minor losses or everyday failures. Learners should avoid confusing it with 負ける (まける), which is a more general verb for losing.
Learner Tip
Do not use 敗戦 for small-scale losses like losing a game among friends. It implies a large-scale or significant defeat, often with historical or political weight.