賠償

ばいしょう

reparations, indemnity, compensation

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Understanding 賠償 (ばいしょう)

賠償 refers to compensation or indemnity paid to cover damages or losses, often in legal or formal contexts. It is commonly used when someone is held responsible for causing harm or damage and must compensate the affected party.

Usage and Nuance

This word is formal and often appears in legal, business, or insurance contexts. When you hear 賠償, it implies a responsibility to make financial restitution for a loss or injury. It is not used for casual apologies or minor inconveniences.

Common Collocations

  • 賠償金 (ばいしょうきん): compensation money paid to the injured party.
  • 賠償責任 (ばいしょうせきにん): liability for compensation, indicating legal responsibility.
  • 賠償請求 (ばいしょうせいきゅう): claim for compensation, the process of requesting payment.

Important Notes

Learners sometimes confuse 賠償 with 補償 (ほしょう), which also means compensation but is broader and can include non-monetary compensation or insurance coverage. 賠償 specifically refers to paying for damages caused, often legally mandated.

Use 賠償 when discussing legal or formal compensation for damages, especially in contexts involving accidents, environmental damage, or contractual breaches.

Example Sentences

じこのひがいしゃにばいしょうきんをしはらうひつようがある。

It is necessary to pay compensation money to the victims of the accident.

かいしゃはかんきょうはかいにたいしてばいしょうせきにんをおうことになった。

The company became liable for compensation for environmental damage.

ばいしょうせいきゅうのてつづきをべんごしにいらいした。

I asked a lawyer to handle the compensation claim procedure.