Translation guide
The English word "losses" can refer to financial deficits, military casualties, or general things that are lost. This guide helps learners express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Expressing a financial deficit or money lost in business, investments, or personal finance.
The most common and neutral term for financial loss. Used in business, accounting, and everyday contexts.
The company posted a large loss.
I suffered losses on my investments.
Literally 'red figures', meaning a deficit or being in the red. Commonly used for business or budget shortfalls.
We're in the red this month.
A more casual term for loss or disadvantage, often used in everyday speech about losing money.
I lost money on stocks.
Referring to soldiers killed, wounded, or missing in action, or equipment destroyed in war.
General term for damage or losses, including military casualties and material losses.
We inflicted heavy losses on the enemy.
Specifically refers to those killed in battle. More precise than general 'losses'.
Victims or casualties, often used in a broader sense including civilians.
Referring to items, opportunities, or abstract things that are lost or gone.
Formal term for losing something, often used for documents, luggage, or items.
Please be careful not to lose your passport.
Loss of something abstract like trust, memory, or status. More formal and often used in written language.
The verb 'to lose' something. Use this in casual conversation about misplacing items.
損失 (そんしつ) is primarily for financial or economic loss. 損害 (そんがい) is for physical damage or casualties, including war losses. Do not use 損失 for military casualties.
The typhoon caused damage to crops.
The English plural 'losses' often translates to a singular concept in Japanese. Do not try to force a plural form; context makes it clear.
その戦いで多くの戦死者が出た。
There were many losses (killed) in that battle.
地震で多くの犠牲者が出た。
The earthquake caused many losses (casualties).
記憶喪失になった。
I suffered memory loss.
I lost my wallet.