Translation guide
The English phrase "heavy damage" refers to severe harm or destruction. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various nouns and verbs that convey the extent and seriousness of the damage. The most common and versatile term is 大きな被害, but other expressions are used depending on context, such as physical destruction, financial loss, or personal injury.
Expressing that something has suffered a lot of damage, in a broad sense (e.g., from disasters, accidents, or attacks).
The most common and neutral way to say 'heavy damage'. 被害 means 'damage' or 'harm', and 大きな means 'big' or 'great'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
台風で大きな被害が出た。
The typhoon caused heavy damage.
地震の後、多くの建物が大きな被害を受けた。
After the earthquake, many buildings suffered heavy damage.
A more formal and emphatic expression, often used in news reports or official statements. 甚大 means 'enormous' or 'immense'.
洪水により甚大な被害が発生した。
The flood caused heavy damage.
Literally 'big damage/loss'. 損害 often implies financial or material loss. Used in contexts like business, insurance, or war.
戦争で大損害を被った。
They suffered heavy damage in the war.
Uses the loanword ダメージ (damage) with 深刻な (serious). Common in gaming, sports, or metaphorical contexts, but can also be used for physical damage.
その事故で車は深刻なダメージを受けた。
The car suffered heavy damage in the accident.
Emphasizing that something is broken, shattered, or ruined physically.
損傷 means 'damage' or 'injury' to objects or body parts. 激しい means 'violent' or 'severe'. Used for physical damage like in accidents or battles.
車は前面に激しい損傷を受けていた。
The car had heavy damage to the front.
Means 'seriously damaged' or 'wrecked', often used for vehicles, ships, or buildings. Implies destruction beyond repair.
艦船は敵の攻撃で大破した。
The warship was heavily damaged by enemy attack.
An onomatopoeic expression meaning 'to become battered' or 'worn out'. Conveys heavy damage in a colloquial, vivid way.
スマホを落としたらボロボロになった。
I dropped my smartphone and it got heavily damaged.
Referring to heavy physical harm to a person's body.
Means 'serious injury'. The standard term for heavy bodily harm. Often used in news and medical contexts.
彼は事故で重傷を負った。
He suffered heavy injuries in the accident.
Literally 'big injury'. More casual than 重傷, used in everyday conversation.
Expressing severe damage in terms of money, business, or reputation.
Similar to 大きな被害 but specifically for financial or material loss. 損害 is the key word for 'loss/damage' in economic contexts.
その不祥事で会社は大きな損害を受けた。
The scandal caused heavy damage to the company.
Means 'heavy blow' or 'severe impact'. Often used metaphorically for damage to reputation, morale, or finances.
今回のスキャンダルは政権に大打撃を与えた。
The recent scandal dealt a heavy blow to the administration.
I fell and got badly hurt.