Meaning and Usage
"負け" (まけ) primarily means "defeat" or "loss" in competitions, games, or conflicts. It is a noun derived from the verb "負ける" (to lose). It is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about winning or losing in sports, games, or arguments.
Common Collocations and Patterns
- 負ける (まける): to lose
- 負けず嫌い (まけずぎらい): a person who hates losing
- 負けてもいい (まけてもいい): it's okay to lose
These expressions show different nuances, from describing the act of losing to personality traits related to competitiveness.
Register and Nuance
"負け" is neutral and can be used in casual and polite contexts. It often appears in sports commentary, casual conversations, and motivational phrases.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "負け" with "敗北" (はいぼく), which is a more formal and literary term for defeat. Use "負け" for everyday situations and "敗北" for formal writing or speeches.