← Dictionary
負
lose · defeat · bear · carry · negative
N3On: ふKun: まける、まけ、おう
Memory Aid
The kanji originally depicted a person (similar to 人 at the top) carrying a heavy shell (貝) on their back. This directly conveys the meaning of to 'bear' or 'carry'.
If you have to 'bear' or 'carry' a heavy burden, you might 'lose' your strength or be 'defeated' by the task.
'Fu' — Think of the FU-tility of taking on too many burdens; you're likely to lose.
Vocabulary
負けるまけるto lose, to be defeated
勝負しょうぶmatch, contest, outcome
負担ふたんburden, responsibility
負うおうto bear, to carry, to take responsibility
負けまけdefeat, loss
Example Sentences
彼は試合に負けて、とても悔しがっていた。
He lost the match and was very frustrated.
この責任を負うのは彼だけではない。
He is not the only one to bear this responsibility.
私たちはその仕事の負担を分け合った。
We shared the burden of that work.
彼は怪我を負って、大会を欠場した。
He sustained an injury and withdrew from the competition.